Limb lengthening is a high-precision procedure where desired length, function, and cosmetic expectations meet. Outcomes depend not only on the device but also on surgical details, operative time, anesthesia strategy, and close follow-up.
Preoperative Assessment
A thorough assessment—bone morphology, muscle-tendon flexibility, neurovascular status, comorbidities, and psychological readiness—forms the basis of a safe plan. Proper patient selection reduces risk and improves predictability during distraction.
Analgesia: Epidural Catheter
Effective pain control is essential for comfort and safety. An epidural catheter lowers pain perception and facilitates early mobilization. It also helps prevent pain-induced blood pressure surges that could increase bleeding at the osteotomy site and raise the risk of compartment syndrome.
Hypotensive Anesthesia
Hypotensive anesthesia can reduce intraoperative blood loss and postoperative edema, improving visualization and supporting tissue recovery.
Surgical Time & Minimally Invasive Technique
Shorter operative time decreases exposure to anesthesia and lowers the likelihood of anesthesia-related complications. Prolonged surgeries are associated with hypothermia, bleeding, infection, and amplified stress response; a planned, smooth, and efficient flow mitigates these risks.
Minimally invasive techniques preserve soft tissues, improve cosmetic results, and reduce infection risk—ultimately speeding up recovery.
Surgeon Experience
Experience matters at every step: accurate osteotomy, mechanical axis control, and stable anatomic implant positioning. Familiarity with lengthening protocols minimizes iatrogenic fractures, implant issues, and deformity.
Postoperative Follow-up & Rehabilitation
Success extends beyond the OR. Early, close follow-up enables prompt detection of issues. Individualized rehabilitation protects flexibility, range of motion, and gait. Regular checks ensure the distraction rate matches soft-tissue adaptation.
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FAQ
How long does the surgery take?
It varies with technique, segments, and concomitant procedures. What matters most is efficient flow and safety rather than a fixed duration.
Are there alternatives to epidural analgesia?
Yes. Multimodal analgesia, peripheral nerve blocks, and patient-controlled analgesia can be combined based on patient profile and surgical plan.
Why minimally invasive?
Smaller incisions and soft-tissue respect reduce infection risk, improve cosmetic results, and accelerate functional recovery.
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