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Limb Lengthening by Precice Max
In the realm of modern medicine, we're seeing incredible breakthroughs thanks to technological advances, especially in the field of orthopedics. One of the most notable advancements is in limb lengthening surgeries, and the latest buzz is about a new method called Precice Max.
PRECICE Max nails are American-made intramedullary nails used for limb lengthening. An External Remote Controller (ERC) is utilized to lengthen the nail, which interacts with magnets within the nail.
5 Phases of Limb Lengthening Surgery with Precice Max Method
We explained day by day guide for your surgery process.
1. Pre-Operative: 1-2 Day
Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by your caretaker at the airport and transferred to your hotel for rest. The next day, you will meet with your surgeon for a face-to-face consultation and undergo pre-operative medical tests, including an X-ray. A physical examination will be conducted to assess flexibility and determine the optimal nail size. To help you relax, you will enjoy a complimentary tour of Istanbul, allowing you to experience the city's rich culture.
2. Intra-Operative: 6 Days
Day 3: The much-anticipated day of your limb lengthening surgery arrives. The skilled surgical team will perform the procedure with utmost precision.
Day 4: Your surgeon will visit you for a follow-up and guide you through a short walk to assess your initial recovery.
Day 5: Dedicated to receiving targeted physical therapy to enhance your healing and mobility.
Day 6: Offers a chance to relax and recover in comfort.
Day 7: You will receive additional physical therapy along with a detailed demonstration of the lengthening process.
Day 8: You will be discharged and transported home in a private ambulance, ensuring a safe and smooth journey as you continue your recovery.
3. Post-Operative (Lengthening Phase): 2-3 Months
Day 9: The distraction phase begins, with 1 mm per day for LON and 0.99 mm for Precice 2 and Precice Max.
Day 10-90: The lengthening phase duration varies based on the targeted height increase. During this time, the number of physiotherapy sessions will be tailored to your overall condition. This phase is crucial for regaining mobility and functionality. You'll be allowed to bear partial weight with a walker and use a wheelchair. Throughout the lengthening phase, necessary medical care and painkillers will be provided. Follow-up visits will be conducted at the facility, and regular X-rays will be taken to detect any early signs of complications, allowing for timely preventative measures.
4. Pre-Consolidation Phase: 20 Days
Day 90-110:Once sufficient bone consolidation is visible on the X-ray, patients will receive instructions on how long to use the walker and then transition to crutches. If there is a delay in bone consolidation, the duration of crutch use may be extended.
5. Recovery Phase (Bone-healing/Returning to Daily life): A Year
Day 110-475: Patients are required to send X-rays at regular intervals to allow remote evaluation of bone healing progress. After the lengthening phase is over, they are asked to use a walker & crutches for about two months, and then, walk unaided. Heavy physical exercise and sports are strictly prohibited until the surgeon provides approval. Apart from these restrictions, patients can freely return to their daily routines and work life.
*Please note that the information and the duration shared in the timeline are to give an overall insight regarding the limb lengthening process. The process can be completed early or later than it is anticipated depending on the circumstances and amount of elongation planned to be achieved!
Components of Precice Max
External Remote Controller (ERC);
External Remote Controller is a portable magnetic device that makes the elongation occur by pushing the button on it. Thus, controlled lengthening phase is provided thanks to it.
Intramedullary Nail;
Intramedullary nail, or rod is used as an internal fixation and is made of titanium alloy. The doctor decides the size of the nail by reviewing the X-ray images. (8,5 mm, 10,7 mm, 11,5 mm or 12,5 mm) During the operation, it is surgically embedded into the bone cavity. As the nail is biocompatible, it does not contain any elements that will cause harm to the body.
Here's a simpler breakdown of what's going on:
- Precice Max's FDA Approval: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved a new limb lengthening technique called Precice Max. This is a big deal because FDA approval usually means a new treatment is safe and effective, and it's likely going to be available in the market soon.
- Testing and Availability: Initially, Precice Max will be tested and used in the United States. As for its availability in other countries, like Turkey, there's no clear timeline yet. It might take some time before it's introduced outside the U.S.
- Excitement in the Orthopedic Community: This development is creating a lot of interest among orthopedic professionals and patients alike. Everyone is eager to see how Precice Max works and what it offers.
- Current Assumptions: While we wait for more concrete information, there are some assumptions or educated guesses about Precice Max. However, these are not confirmed details yet. You can find the details below:
Two Surgeries with Precice Max
If Precice Max is chosen as a surgery method for limb lengthening, there are two operations that are performed;
- First Surgery; An intramedullary nail is inserted into the medullar cavity of the bone. Patients lengthen the bone gradually by 0,99 mm per day by pushing the button on ERC. (Lengthening is carried out three times a day / 0,33 mm x 3)
- Removal Surgery for Intramedullary Nails; Intramedullary nail can be removed upon patient’s request after the full bone consolidation is completed. It can take a year or one and half years to get rid of the nail with a short procedure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Precice Max Method
Advantages;
- It offers less invasive procedure, and less painful process compared to classical methods.
- It bears less risk of getting infection since there is no external devices attached to the legs. (e.g. LON)
Disadvantages;
- The surgery cost is pricy comparing to the other methods such as LON and Holyfix.
The ‘Precice Max’ methodology is highly preferred by our patients for these simple reasons:
- Patients go through the lengthening process with minimal pain except for the first week.
- Less scar marks will appear on the legs beacuse of the minimal insicions and aesthetic stitches.
- Patients will have less complication, safe and more comfortable lengthening period in comparison to the other methods (e.g LON, Holyfix and Ilizarov)
As a few incisions are made for each leg compared to the classical methods, the scar marks will not be notable too much. The surgical wounds are stitched with dissolvable sutures and covered with waterproof dressings. Nevertheless, the scar marks will fade away as time passes by, and will not be eyeful. Especially, our surgeon ties off stitches aesthetically. If you think you may have sensitive skin against scar marks, you may find out some useful tips for the ways of minimizing the scar marks by watching the video below.
As any other surgery, there are always risks and complications that might occur. As long as the doctor applies the right technique, the hygienic environment is established at the hospital, and proper post-operative care is provided, the risks and the complications are preventable and treatable. As Wannabtaller Team, the first priority is always patients’ safety for us. Yet, every person has unique physiology and some unpredictable conditions might occur such as non bone union or slow bone union. You may visit our blog writing to find out more information related to this issue; "Limb lengthening Side effects, Complications and Risks"
How many months should I stay for this procedure?
Limb lengthening is not a simple procedure to go through. Considering broken bones and the recovery process, patients should spare a considerable amount of time for it. Notably, the first 3 months are a crucial period for patients in order to get through the process healthily as much as possible. The lengthening period needs to be observed closely by the doctor apart from the recovery, the functionality, and the health condition of the patient. Besides all these, patients must take a proper physiotherapy session from a physiotherapist who is well familiar with the post-operative process of limb lengthening. Patients desiring to have limb lengthening surgery need to stay here for at least 3/4 months by taking into account all these factors.
We provide patient accommodation, post-operative care, and physiotherapy services at Kumburgaz Marin Princess Hotel. For other accommodation facilities and prices, please visit Accommodation services page.
- Accommodation + 3 meals/day
- Personalized Physical Therapy
- X-rays, tests & examinations
- Medications
- Psychologic Counselling Service (Twice a month)
- Dietitian Services (Twice a month)
- Fitness, Free WI-FI internet, daily room cleaning, clean towels, and linen changes
- 24/7 business center use for those who continue their work remotely
- Activities outside the hotel and special tours for the patients to relax, breathe, and increase their motivation once a month
All inclusive: 4,550$ 3,550$/ per month
(3 month-package: 10,450$)