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Overview

Limb lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure that increases height by surgically lengthening the leg bones (femur or tibia). This surgery is generally preferred by adults who are unhappy with their short stature and feel it affects their self-confidence. It can also be used to treat conditions such as congenital leg length discrepancy.

Procedure Details

• Procedure: Limb Lengthening Surgery
• Duration: 2-4 hours (depending on the number of bones and the amount of lengthening)
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia
• Location: Atlas University Hospital – Istanbul
• Possible Side Effects: Infection, bleeding, nerve damage, nonunion of bones, joint stiffness, muscle pain.
• Recovery Time: Hospital stay is usually 5-7 days. After the lengthening process is completed, the devices are removed and the bones are allowed to heal for a while longer. Full recovery and rehabilitation can take 6-12 months.
• Expected Outcomes: Up to 8 cm (single session) height increase (depending on bone structure and method), a more proportional body appearance, increased self-confidence.

Daily Plan

• Day 1:

  • Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hospital.
  • Pre-operative consultation and evaluation with your orthopedic surgeon.
  • Completion of necessary tests (X-ray, blood tests, leg length measurements, etc.).
  • Surgical planning (bone to be lengthened, method and devices to be used) and discussion of expectations.

• Day 2:

  • Limb lengthening surgery (bone osteotomy and placement of lengthening devices).
  • Post-operative pain control.
  • Hospital stay.

• Day 3:

  • Post-operative check-up by the surgeon.
  • Starting bed exercises.
  • Pain management and medication information.

• Day 4-6:

  • Hospital stay and start of physical therapy (walking exercises, muscle strengthening).
  • Activities to increase independence in daily living activities.

• Day 7:

  • Discharge from the hospital and transfer to the hotel.
  • Rest at the hotel and continue physical therapy (at a center affiliated with the hotel or at the hospital).

• Day 8-10:

  • Continue physical therapy sessions (walking, stretching, strengthening exercises).
  • Doctor check-up and dressing change.
  • Adjustment of the lengthening device (1 mm per day).

Following Months:

• Continue with regular physical therapy and doctor check-ups.
• Monitoring the bone healing process.
• Removal of lengthening devices (when bones are fully healed).
• Continue with the rehabilitation process.

Post-Operative Care

• Use medications regularly as recommended by your doctor.
• Follow your physical therapy program and do your exercises regularly.
• Keep your legs elevated and apply ice to reduce swelling.
• Watch for signs of infection and inform your doctor.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment with a local orthopedic surgeon after returning to your country.

FAQ

• Q: Is limb lengthening surgery painful?
  • A: Post-operative pain is expected, but it can be managed with pain medications. Physical therapy also helps reduce pain.
• Q: How long will I need physical therapy after surgery?
  • A: The physical therapy process is lengthy and can take 6-12 months depending on the bone healing process.
• Q: What are the risks of limb lengthening surgery?
  • A: There are risks such as infection, bleeding, nerve damage, nonunion of bones, and joint stiffness. Your doctor will explain the risks in detail.
• Q: Who is suitable for limb lengthening surgery?
  • A: Healthy adults who are unhappy with their short stature and have completed bone development may be suitable for surgery. It can also be used to treat conditions such as leg length discrepancy. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and determine if surgery is right for you.