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Are you thinking about increasing your height with limb lengthening surgery? Before proceeding, it's important to be well-informed about the potential risks, complications, and side effects associated with the procedure.
In this informative article, we will take an in-depth look at the risks, complications, and potential side effects of limb lengthening surgery, giving you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. We will cover everything from slow or fast bone healing to muscle contractures and osteomyelitis. By having a thorough understanding of the process and recovery plan you can confidently weigh the pros and cons and make the best decision for yourself.
Surgery Overview
The surgery process begins with an operation known as an osteotomy, in which the orthopedic surgeon cuts the bone to be lengthened. The surgeon then uses an external fixator or internal nail to fix the bones in place. After the surgery, the bone is gradually lengthened over time, allowing the body to form new bone tissue to fill the gap. The treatment process is lengthy and requires close monitoring and follow-up care.
Potential Risks and Complications
The possible risks, complications, and side effects of limb lengthening surgery include:
Let’s look more closely at each one.
1. Slow or Rapid Bone Healing
Limb lengthening procedures involve the formation and healing of new bone. In some cases, the bone may heal too quickly or too slowly. The healthcare team regularly takes X-rays of patients and monitors their progress to detect such conditions.
a. Rapid bone healing
Some people may experience faster bone healing which is a biological reaction specific to that person and not caused by any negligence or misapplication of the procedure. If rapid bone healing is observed during the lengthening phase, the doctor may increase the daily lengthening amount to stabilize the process. However, if the bone union has already occurred due to rapid bone healing, an additional surgical procedure may be required for correction.
b. Slow bone healing
In some patients, new bone may not form as quickly as it should. This is one of the complications that can be detected by X-ray during the lengthening phase and can be overcome by intervention. In such cases, the doctor may decide to reduce the daily lengthening amount, resulting in treatment taking longer than expected.
c. Nonunion
In rare cases, the bone union may not occur, a condition known as nonunion. In such cases, the doctor may decide to stop the lengthening procedure, reverse it, or perform an additional surgical procedure to correct the issue.
2. Muscle and Joint Complications
During limb lengthening procedures, it is important for muscle adaptation to keep pace with the bone extension. A mismatch of bone and muscle length can negatively affect the mobility of the leg and result in postoperative complications such as muscle contractures and joint stiffness.
a. Muscle contractures
These occur when the muscles do not adapt to the bone extension, causing pain and difficulty in movement. To prevent muscle contractures, patients should follow a regular exercise program and receive physiotherapy sessions.
b. Joint stiffness and contractures
These occur when muscles become too tight, pulling on the surrounding joints and causing difficulty in joint mobility. To prevent and treat joint stiffness and contractures, patients should follow a regular exercise program and receive physiotherapy sessions. In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to correct joint stiffness or contractures. It is important to note that early physical therapy intervention can help in preventing muscle and joint contractures.
3. Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
Osteomyelitis, also known as bone infection, is a potential complication that can occur following limb lengthening surgery, particularly in methods that involve external fixation. To prevent osteomyelitis, patients should maintain proper hygiene, follow post-operative care instructions, and avoid exposing the surgical site to dirt or bacteria.
Additionally, regular needle site dressings and bandage changes can also help minimize the risk of infection. If osteomyelitis is detected, it can be treated with antibiotics and pain relievers in the early stages, but surgical intervention may be necessary in some cases.
4. Nerve and Blood Vessel Injury
During limb lengthening procedures that involve external fixation, there is a small risk of injury to nerves and blood vessels. This can occur due to the insertion of pins and wires into the bone, which may compress or damage surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
a. Nerve injuries
Nerve injuries can result in temporary or permanent loss of sensation or movement. Treatment for nerve injuries may include physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and in some cases, surgical intervention.
b. Blood vessel injuries
Blood vessel injuries can cause blood loss and may require surgical repair in severe cases. These injuries are rare but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and to seek medical attention immediately if any symptoms occur.
5. Pin loosening (Methods with External Fixation)
In limb lengthening methods that require external fixation, such as the LON method, pin loosening is a possible complication that can occur due to various technical factors. These factors may include improper insertion technique, frame stiffness, and poor anchorage. Pin loosening can compromise the stability of the fixation and may require additional surgical intervention to correct. It is important to note that pin loosening is not a common complication and can be minimized by following proper post-operative care instructions and closely monitoring the fixation during the healing process.
6. Pin Site Infection (Methods with External Fixation)
Pin site infections can happen during limb lengthening procedures that use external fixation like the LON method. These infections can be caused by bacteria at the surgical site, poor dressing changes, or other issues. They can cause pain, slow healing, and other problems. To prevent pin site infections, it's important to keep the surgical site clean, follow post-operative care instructions, and monitor the surgical site closely. Treatment might include antibiotics, wound care, and surgery in some cases. On the other hand, the Precice 2 method does not have this risk because it is fully internal and does not use external fixation.
7. Postoperative swelling
Swelling after surgery, especially after limb lengthening procedures, is a normal part of the body’s healing process. It’s the body’s way of responding to the surgery, caused by fluid build-up in the area that’s been operated on. This swelling can sometimes cause discomfort and even pain, making it difficult to move around. It can also slow down the healing process and prolong your recovery time. To help manage this post-surgery swelling, doctors usually prescribe medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and recommend wearing compression garments. Physical therapy is another important part of the recovery process. It not only helps reduce inflammation and improve blood flow, but also helps improve your range of motion and prevent stiffness in the affected limb. In some cases, your surgeon might use a technique known as intermittent pneumatic compression. This technique can help reduce swelling and promote healing. But remember, simple things like elevating the affected limb and keeping it active can also go a long way in reducing swelling.
8. Pain and Sleeping Difficulties
Pain is a common experience for patients undergoing major orthopedic procedures and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. Pain is typically highest in the days immediately following surgery and gradually decreases over time with proper management and pain control. However, pain tolerance and sensitivity can vary greatly among patients, and some may experience difficulty sleeping due to pain.
The healthcare team and surgeon will work closely with patients to manage pain and ensure that treatment protocols are tailored to each individual's needs. This may include a combination of medication, physiotherapy, and other pain management techniques. Patients need to report any pain or sleeping difficulties they are experiencing to their healthcare team so that appropriate action can be taken to alleviate symptoms.
9. Psychological impact
Undergoing this surgery can be a significant emotional and physical journey. It's important to have realistic expectations and to be prepared for the process, including the treatment period and recovery time. While the procedure can have life-changing benefits, it's important to keep in mind that there may also be potential emotional challenges to consider.
Apart from the risks mentioned above, limb lengthening may have some potential long-term effects to consider. For further information and a free personalized consultation, please contact us via WhatsApp at +90 533 973 5289 or info@dryukselyurttas.com