Limb lengthening surgery is a medical surgery that lengthens a person’s arms or legs. It is a procedure that allows one arm or leg to be made longer if it is shorter than the other. It is a slow process in which the bones and connected soft tissues are lengthened over several months using a special device. Limb lengthening surgery happens slowly over a period of a few months. Limb lengthening surgeons in India use two methods to lengthen the limbs:
An external fixator, which is a device placed externally that is adjusted on regular basis for a few days.
An internal lengthening nail, which is placed inside the bone marrow cavity and expanded using a remote control device. Once the desired length is obtained, the metal device is left in place to help with healing before being removed.
Limb lengthening surgery in India is more affordable than in developed nations. This is possible because Indian hospitals use the latest technologies and have highly skilled doctors. India is known for providing high-quality limb lengthening surgery at a lower price.
Need for Limb Lengthening Surgery
Limb lengthening surgery performs an important role in improving the quality of life for those suffering from various kinds of conditions, such as:
- Congenital Defects: Individuals born with unequal limb lengths due to congenital defects require limb lengthening surgery to improve their mobility.
- Growth Plate Damage: Damage to the growth plate, which is common during childhood, may result in unequal limb growth.
- Fracture Malunion: When a broken bone heals in the wrong way, it might result in a leg length difference. Limb lengthening surgery is needed to correct and balance the limbs.
- Nonunion Fractures: In conditions where fractures do not heal properly, limb-lengthening surgery is required to correct the imbalance.
- Skeletal Dysplasias: Individuals with inherited bone growth disorders, such as dwarfism, may require limb lengthening to obtain more balanced limb lengths.
- Specific Medical Conditions: Polio, cerebral palsy, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can all cause major leg length differences that necessitate the need for surgery.
- Benign Bone Tumors: Limb lengthening may be suggested for people who have benign bone tumors on their growth plates.
- Hemihypertrophy: Rare diseases such as hemihypertrophy, which causes one side of the body to grow faster than the other, can be treated with limb lengthening surgery.
- Growth Plate Fractures: Traumatic growth plate fractures might require surgical treatment to ensure proper limb development.
- Desire for Height Increase: Some people, such as young children who are still growing, adults who want to add a few inches to their height, or those who have suffered limb-altering injuries, might choose limb lengthening surgery for cosmetic or personal reasons.
- Muscular and Skeletal Conditions: Muscle, tendon, and ligament disorders, as well as hip disorders, can cause limb length differences that can be corrected through limb lengthening surgery.
- Osteomyelitis: Bone infections, such as osteomyelitis, may hinder bone growth and require limb-lengthening surgery.
Understanding the Procedure of Limb Lengthening Surgery in India
Limb lengthening surgery is a multi-stage procedure that uses the body’s natural ability to produce new bone to lengthen the limb.
Surgery (Osteotomy): The first step is a surgical process known as osteotomy. During this phase, the surgeon carefully cuts the damaged limb bone into two separate parts. Additional soft-tissue treatments may be performed in certain cases to prepare muscles and nerves for lengthening. For example, the Achilles tendon may be extended to make space for the lengthening of the tibial (shin bone).
Attachment of Limb Lengthening Device: After the osteotomy, the two bone segments are fitted with an orthopedic limb-lengthening device. Devices are divided into two types:
- External Fixator: A thin, lightweight metal frame is attached to the bones using pins or wires in this device. The majority of the frame stays outside the body, extending several inches beyond the limb.
- Internal Rod: An internal rod, which is similar to a screw-like device placed inside the bone, is a modern alternative. It is hidden within the body, as compared to external fixators.
Latency Period: After the insertion of the limb lengthening device, the bones are allowed to rest for approximately five to seven days. This time is of the utmost importance for the earliest phases of healing.
Distraction Phase: The distraction phase is the most important stage of the limb lengthening procedure. The patient gradually adjusts the orthopedic device throughout this stage. This adjustment gradually separates the two bone parts, a process known as distraction. The bones separate at a controlled rate, usually approximately 1 mm (0.04 inch) per day. The rate of distraction could vary slightly depending on the bone being treated.
- The constant distraction causes the body to produce new bone cells, which fill the space between the separated bone segments. This new bone, known as regenerate bone, increases the limb’s overall length.
- During the distraction phase, the orthopedic device must be adjusted on a daily basis. Regular physical therapy sessions help in maintaining flexibility and bone strength throughout this time.
Consolidation Phase: After attaining the desired length, the limb starts the consolidation phase. This is the stage at which newly produced bone begins to harden, thicken, and solidify as a result of the calcification process, which involves the deposition of calcium. During this stage, the patient may be asked to bear weight on the limb, usually with crutches or a walker.
Device Removal: The orthopedic lengthening device is removed from the patient’s body once the regenerated bone has fully solidified and is considered to have healed. External fixators are normally removed as an outpatient surgical procedure, and additional support, such as a cast or brace, may be placed for several weeks to protect the newly produced bone.
Advantages of Limb Lengthening Surgery in India
- Increased height
- Corrected limb length discrepancies
- Improved mobility
- Better social confidence
- Functional improvements
- Alleviates joint pain
- Corrects deformities
- Improved gait and flexibility
Risks and Complications of Limb Lengthening Surgery in India
- Non-consolidation of bone: This refers to the failure of newly extended bone to harden properly, which can lead to instability of bone.
- Insufficient bone lengthening
- Muscle or nerve damage
- Infections at incision and bone sites
- Pin-site infections with external devices
- Joint and muscle stiffness
- Joint dislocation
- Blood vessel injury
- Muscle contractions
- Premature or delayed bone formation
- Incomplete bone attachment
- Osteomyelitis (Bone infection)
Devices used for Limb Lengthening Surgery in India
Orthopedic devices are essential in limb lengthening surgeries because they provide stability, control, and precise changes to get the desired result. The device selected depends on the patient’s demands, and the type of bone being lengthened.
- External Fixators: These are devices that are placed outside the body and consist of pins or wires inserted into the bone and connected to a frame. They give stability while also allowing for gradual bone lengthening.
- Intramedullary Nails: These are implanted into the bone’s marrow cavity and can be adjusted to make room for lengthening. They are often used to lengthen the femur or tibia.
- Telescopic Rods: These implants are surgically implanted inside the bone and are adjustable. They enable precise and controlled limb lengthening.
- Limb Lengthening Nails: These different nails contain an inbuilt system that allows the nail to stretch and lengthen the bone as needed.
- LON (Lengthening Over Nails) Technique: This involves using an intramedullary nail and an external fixator for improved stability and control during lengthening.
- Bone Transport Devices: They are used for lengthening segmental bone deformities by cutting an area of bone and slowly transporting it as it heals.
- Circular Fixators: These are external fixators that are placed in a circle around the limb. They provide stability for complex lengthening treatments and have the capacity to adapt in several planes.
- Orthopedic Implants: Traditional orthopedic implants, such as plates and screws, may be used in combination with lengthening devices to provide additional support or to repair abnormalities.
Recovery after Limb Lengthening Surgery in India
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of bone lengthening, with children recovering faster than adults. Recovery from limb lengthening surgery in India might be difficult but possible. Patients must follow post-operative care instructions during the healing phase, such as:
- Visit the hospital regularly to have the lengthening device adjusted.
- To prevent infections, keep exterior pins or screws clean.
- Consider taking vitamin D3 pills to help your bones grow and recover.
- Consume a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
- Make sure you get proper rest.
- Attend physical therapy sessions regularly.
- Continue physical activity to avoid blood clot formation.
- Keep an eye out for any changes in sensation or color surrounding the treated region.
- Avoid prolonged immobility and switch positions on a regular basis.
- Most patients will eventually be able to maintain normal and active lifestyles.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Cost in India
Limb lengthening surgery in India is well-known for its low cost. The comprehensive cost of limb lengthening surgery in India starts at $8000. The final cost will be determined by a variety of factors, including the type of treatment, the surgeon’s experience, and the length of hospitalization. The procedure basically takes advantage of the body’s own capacity to rebuild bone and tissues, allowing patients to grow in height. Surgery with an external nail fixator and Surgery with an internal nail fixator are the two most prevalent types of surgery, with costs ranging from $7000 to $8000. Costs for limb lengthening surgery in India are typically 30-40% lower than in the developed nations.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Hospitals in India
Limb Lengthening Surgery Hospitals in India provide world-class medical care to individuals seeking limb-lengthening surgery. These hospitals are equipped with the latest technologies and staffed by highly skilled surgeons and medical professionals. Patients may expect exceptional treatment and experience, assuring an excellent result. These hospitals provide a variety of limb-lengthening surgery procedures, giving patients a variety of treatment choices.
- Max Hospital – New Delhi
- Medanta – The Medicity Hospital – Gurugram
- Marengo Asia Hospital- Gurugram
- Indraprastha Apollo Hospital – New Delhi
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute – Gurugram
- Sharda Hospital – Noida
- Artemis Hospital – Gurugram
- BLK Super Specialty Hospital – New Delhi
- Sanar International Hospital – Gurugram
Limb Lengthening Surgeons in India
Limb Lengthening Surgeons in India are well-known for their expertise in this highly specialized field of orthopedic surgery. These skilled professionals possess significant training and experience. They use modern methods and work in well-equipped hospitals. Patients considering limb lengthening surgery can have trust in these limb lengthening surgeons in India.
- Prithvi Mohandas – MIOT International, Chennai
- Jayant Arora – Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Atul Mishra – Fortis Hospital, Noida
- Ashok Rajgopal – Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon
- S K S Marya – Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, New Delhi | Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurgaon
- IPS Oberoi – Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
- (Prof) Raju Vaishya – Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
- Rohit Lamba – Sanar International Hospital, Gurgaon
- Ishwar Bohra – BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
