What is Limb Lengthening?
The limb lengthening in Turkey and Istanbul is a widespread procedure that is performed both for the treatment of dwarfism and the post-traumatic femoral shortening. In case of dwarfism, it is clear that limb lengthening is performed simultaneously at the level of both limbs, whether the upper or lower limbs. The limb lengthening in Turkey and Istanbul is the perfect treatment of the discrepancy of the lower limbs due to trauma.
Different techniques are used for the surgical treatment of limb deformities which allow to correct axial deviations. In fact, bone regeneration can take place after a fracture, a bone section, or osteotomy followed by a gradual distractive traction, which allows the formation of new bone tissue (osteogenesis). In this way, the bone segments can be corrected and/or stretched gradually until any bone gaps are filled. Therefore, it is possible to lengthen a leg 1.5 metre high, for example, into more than 20 centimeters.
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Who is this procedure for?
- People born with arms or legs out of proportion to the rest of their body
- People who have suffered an injury that causes an imbalance between two limbs or whose limbs have become shorter due to an infection
- Cancer patients who have lost bone tissue following operations
Side effects
- Blood clots
- Nerve and blood vessel damage
- Stiffness
- Infection
Intervention or treatment's duration
- The operation lasts between 2 to 3 hours
Recovery time
- The healing phase can take up to 6 months
Success rate
- 80%
What are the Different Techniques in Turkey and Istanbul?
Cosmetic limb lengthening in Turkey and Istanbul is performed with various methods. The most employed are those with circular external fixation system for the leg (tibia-fibula) and the dynamic axial fixators for the arm and thigh. At the femoral artery, it is possible to use an intramedullary rod (that is, inside the bone) in some selected cases that allows the treatment without any external apparatus. The postoperative period in Turkey includes a hospital stay of about 5-6 days and clinical and radiographic checks at a rate of about 30 days.
The intramedullary nail technique, which allows stretching of the femur only, has shown excellent results, especially in relation to the fact that the whole device is inside the femur and the inconvenience related to the lengthening are very limited, allowing a return to normal life quickly.
In general, the healing time in Turkey is about 35 days per centimeter of lengthening. For instance, lengthening of 5 cm= 175 days, about 6 months). The external fixation systems must be removed after lengthening while the removal of the intramedullary rod is not necessary.
Added to that, the Ilizarov method represents a path of a certain complexity that requires patience and long waiting times and is based on predefined steps.
The first treatment of the legs is possible at the age of 10-11 years. After that, the doctor will lengthen the shoulders and the femurs. In the case of achondroplasia, the intervention occurs in adolescence which means in a rather delicate period of growth. The relationship between the doctor and the patient is fundamental since many months of treatment are necessary. There is a need for a constant comparison with the specialist who, if necessary, can also ask for the support of a psychologist.
What are the Results?
Make sure that Turquie santé will provide you with the best doctors who have conducted successful limb lengthening in Turkey, Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and Izmir. The procedure that offers better results and faster recovery is the one performed with an intramedullary rod, because it must be removed after a specific period of time.
Does it have risks?
The limb lengthening procedure should not be considered as an easy and exciting way to become taller if there is no specific physical need to undergo it. It is a highly invasive surgery and not free of risks. In fact, this type of surgery presents risks such as thrombosis, infections, injuries of nerves as well as vessels, and lack of healing of the bone with a need to have another operation.
What is the Cost of this Operation in Turkey and Istanbul?
By offering you the best quality, the best attention, the greatest safety during your intervention, the best professionals, and the best prices, Turquie santé will make your dream come true. With Turquie santé, you can make your dreams come true with quality and affordable cosmetic surgery packages, with monitoring and support that will allow you to recover and enjoy your stay in Turkey, Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya
