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Limb Lengthening Revision Surgery

On This Page (Contents)

 

Limb Lengthening revision surgery is an operation performed to fix issues caused by previous surgery. While many revision operations are performed in aesthetic procedures such as nose and breast, height lengthening surgeries, which have lately acquired attention, can indeed be performed.

Unfortunately, not everyone who undergoes limb lengthening surgery is pleased with the outcomes. Worse, some patients end up with more difficulties than they started with. Sad to say, many complaints of failed length increases occur, especially when doctors with no or little expertise and training enter the field.

In what circumstances is revision surgery required?

It is critical to ensure that the surgeon you choose for limb-lengthening surgery has sufficient knowledge in the field of height increase. Face-to-face or online consultation is necessary prior to surgery in order for the doctor to provide proper guidance, instill confidence in the patient, and achieve success as a team on this journey.

Professional health care supplied after the procedure is at minimum as important as the lengthening surgery procedure. Poor postoperative health care, physical therapy from non-lengthening specialists, and dressing care in unsanitary conditions can all lead to serious health problems.

Common Limb-Lengthening Revision Cases

Screw Loosening

Loosening of the screws used in the lengthening operation is caused by doctors who are not experts in the field, necessitating a revision procedure.

Deformity

Genu varum and genu valgum are two of the most common types of limb deformities. This condition can develop at birth or as a result of a poorly performed lengthening surgery.

Genu varum

Genu varum is a Latin term for a limb deformity commonly known as "bow legs." This deformity manifests as a varus deformity, which is an inward angulation of the lower leg and an outward bending of the knee.

Genu valgum

Another common limb deformity is genu valgum, also known as “knock-knee.” The opposite is genu varum, which causes the knees to open and touch. A person with genu valgum cannot straighten their legs while touching their feet together. Limb lengthening surgery is a one-of-a-kind procedure. It should only be done by an orthopedic surgeon who has the necessary training and experience.

Nerve damage

Limb lengthening is a procedure often used to adjust leg length disparities and to raise stature. The reported frequency of peripheral nerve complications ranges from 5% to 30% but is likely underestimated. Damage can be specific or end up caused by nerve overstretching.

Intramedullary nail breakage

For proximal femoral fractures, intramedullary nailing is a common treatment. Nail fracture is an uncommon but dangerous condition that necessitates complicated revision surgery on elderly persons.

Compartment Syndrome 

The surgical procedure used to treat compartment syndrome is known as fasciotomy for compartment syndrome surgery. Compartment syndrome, which can occur after leg-lengthening surgeries that are not properly monitored during or after the procedure, causes symptoms like pain, swelling, and tightness. Below the knee is the most commonly affected area by compartment syndrome. Physiotherapy following fasciotomy surgery is critical for regaining as much function in the affected area as possible.

Shortening of the Achilles Tendon and the Hamstring Muscles

Lengthening that is not done under supervision and is done more than necessary may result in tendon and hamstring shortness.

Leg Length Discrepancy

The discrepancy in leg length causes discomfort and hinders the patient from returning to his usual life. Leg length differences can be observed in non-professionally performed lengthening surgeries.

Bone infections

Bacteria are the most common cause of bone infections. Yet, it can be induced by fungus or other pathogens. Bacteria and other microbes can diffuse to the bone from diseased surfaces, muscles, or tendons. Although bone infection is uncommon in lengthening surgeries, it can become a serious health issue if not treated properly.

The most frequent revision cases to our team

  • Deformity
  • Slow bone union
  • Leg length difference
  • Technical errors due to surgery (incomplete placement of the nail, loose locking screw, excessive cutting of the muscle, etc.)
  • Achilles tendon and hamstring muscle shortening
  • Nerve damage

Sample cases from other clinics/doctors to our team

Case 1:

Our 42-year-old Canadian patient came to us with the complaint of a slow rate of the bone union. Because the patient's postoperative follow-up was neglected, this potential complication was missed. As a result, bone union in limb lengthening was delayed for an extended period of time.

Solution: Our doctor used stem cell therapy on the patient, and he was able to achieve rapidly visible bone union in 3 weeks. This success in our patient's bone union will result in his recovery in less than a year. It should be noted that the patient has a history of smoking.

How long does a bone union take?

This process, which typically takes 1-2 years, can be completed in exceptional cases, usually in 6-8 months in our young patients.

Case 2:

A 27-year-old female patient had her bones lengthened using the over-nail lengthening method. She came to us with a deformity and Achilles tendon shortness complaint. She was short in one leg, deformed in both legs, and had a heel lift.

Solution: 

The patient underwent a 3-week physical therapy program with our expert team's physiotherapists, and the leg deformity was corrected during surgery. Acute lengthening was used to compensate for the difference in lengthening caused by tiny incisions in the Achilles tendons.

Case 3:

When a 22-year-old woman arrived at our clinic, the skin on her left leg was extremely tight, and she was experiencing severe muscle pains. The patient was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome as a result of the diagnostic tests. The doctor who performed the surgery allowed the patient to extend her leg more than 1 mm per day, causing compartment syndrome as well as Achilles tendon shortening.

 

Solution: Our doctor performed a surgical intervention on the patient's legs as a solution. During surgery, the fascia muscles and Achilles tendon were loosened, and the patient's left leg was cast for about 3 weeks. During this time, the patient received physical therapy and was eventually released in good health.

How does our team avoid revision cases?

With our physical therapy and post-operative care services, our team of experts, who prioritize your health, minimizes the complications and risk of limb lengthening revision surgery that an unsuccessful operation will necessitate by paying attention to all the details in order to achieve the best possible result from your surgery.

Our offerings include:

  • Vitamin kit custom-made for you in the presence of a doctor and a dietitian 
  • PRP Stem cell therapy for the treatment
  • Program of personalized physical therapy
  • Medical dressing in sanitary conditions
  • Dietitian Service

Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment

One of the most significant benefits of stem cell injections is that you will experience pain relief following the procedure. If you are suffering from joint pain and general stress, this option may be able to help you improve your quality of life. Furthermore, less pain means less reliance on analgesic medication.

The use of stem cells improves joint flexibility. A stem cell injection can improve the function of a joint by making it more flexible and increasing its range of motion. Stem cell therapy promotes the formation of new collagen (a protein found in tissues) and can aid in the regeneration of new tissues. Furthermore, by accelerating regeneration, the treatment will promote bone and related structure healing. The procedure is relatively quick and simple, and it can be performed in the clinic.

 

If you have a problem as a result of your lengthening surgery, WannaBeTaller will be happy to accompany you to your limb lengthening revision operation.

Our greatest motivation is the happiness and health of our patients. As a necessary consequence, we will contact you and supervise your health at regular intervals in order to collaborate and succeed in both your lengthening surgery and any potential problems you may encounter.

Do you have any questions or need additional information? Feel free to contact us to arrange a free consultation. At your request, a live video session with the surgeon can also be scheduled.

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WannaBeTaller AI Assistant X

Hello, I am the world's first limb lengthening surgery assistant, created by the first limb lengthening facility in Turkey (Wanna Be Taller). Feel free to ask me anything about limb lengthening surgery.

This conversation is being conducted with an artificial intelligence model. The responses provided by the artificial intelligence are intended for general informational purposes and are not legally binding. To obtain precise information, please contact the patient consultant.