1. How is the limb lengthening surgery performed?

During the surgery a small incision is made in the bone, the internal nail is placed in the tibia and the external fixature is attached. A few days after the surgery lengthening process is started and the external fixature gradually pulls the bone apart, creating a distance between the bone where it is cut. This causes the bones to grow and lengthen. The growth rate is generally 1mm per day. After the desired lengthening is achieved the external fixature is removed and the internal nail is locked in place supporting the bone while the bone consolidates and achieves its normal strength and density.

2. How many days of bed rest are needed after the surgery?

Normally 1-2 days of bed rest is necessary.

3. How long will the lengthening process take?

It depends on how much lengthening is desired. The lengthening process starts about 5 days after the surgery at the rate of 1mm per day. As an example for 6cm lengthening it will take 60 days plus the 5 days after the surgery when there is no lengthening therefore total time for 6cm lengthening is about 65 days.

4. How long will it take for the bones to achieve their normal strength?

As a general rule it will take 3 times the amount of lengthening for the bones to achieve their normal strength. As an example for 6cm the lengthening time is 60 days so it will take about 180 days for the bones to fully consolidate and achieve their normal strength.

5. When is the internal nail removed?

The internal nail can be removed after the bones have fully consolidated and achieved their normal strength.

6. How does the lengthening affect other tissues such as nerves, muscles, veins and skin?

These tissues grow as they are stretched. The limiting factor in limb lengthening is the rate of bone growth since other tissues have a higher rate of growth than the bone.

7. Is the new bone as strong as the normal bone?

All research and studies performed during over half a century indicate that the newly generated bone is in everyway similar to the original bone. 

8. Will the tendons stretch during the lengthening?

Tendon is the tissue that attaches the muscle to the bone. This tissue is generally very strong and stiff. During the lengthening this tissue is stretched by performing daily exercises and physical therapy.

9. How painful is the lengthening process?

Level of sensitivity and pain tolerance varies greatly between people. However experience has shown that in most people the pain level is reduced to a very tolerable level by performing daily exercises and physical therapy.

10. Is it possible to attend school or go to work during the lengthening process?                                                                                               

No. During the lengthening you will have limitations on your mobility as well as periodic pains of different degrees. Attending work or school is not practical and you should not plan on doing so.

11. How soon after the surgery can I walk?

Generally the candidates can walk the day after the surgery. Depending on your physical strength you can walk with or without the use of walking aids.

12. Can I take care of my daily personal needs?

Yes. Almost all candidates will be able to take care of their personal needs and hygiene, since they can walk from the first day after the surgery.

13. Can this surgery correct knee deviation?

Yes. Knee deviation can be corrected during the surgery and the result is immediate.

14. Will the body proportionality be affected by limb lengthening?

The maximum amount of lengthening that will not affect the proportionality will be determined by the physician after taking measurements of body parts. It’s important to note that 80% of short stature people have relatively longer upper body and shorter lower body. This means that by performing the limb lengthening they actually achieve a better body proportion.

15. Is there an age limit for this procedure?

No. However, for women older than 47 years this procedure is not recommended.

      16. Can this procedure be performed on people with genetic disorders that cause short stature?

Yes. Almost all people with genetic disorders that cause short stature, such as Turner syndrome and Ellis-Van-Crevelld can benefit from this procedure.

17. Is this procedure limited to the tibia (shin bone)?

No. this procedure can be performed on the thigh, arms and even amputated fingers.

18.Can this procedure be performed on people of normal stature?

There is no limitation on performing this procedure, however it is not recommended for people who are not short statured.

19.How long after the surgery is safe for pregnancy?

It is recommended to wait at least 8 months after the surgery for pregnancy.

20.Does the gender have any affect on the outcome of the procedure?

No. Men and women achieve the same result. The important factor is the body’s ability to generate bone.  

21.How long after the surgery can I do heavy sports activities?

It is recommended to wait a minimum of 18 months before performing any heavy sport activity. 

22. How long after the surgery can I resume work or school?

This depends on a lot of factors such as ones weight, general condition, level of fitness and type of work. However as a general rule 3 months after the lengthening normal activity can be resumed.