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Limb Lengthening Surgery in Delhi

What is Limb Lengthening?

Limb lengthening surgery refers to a procedure that makes the arm or leg bone look longer. The surgeon may recommend this procedure in the humerus (upper arm bone), radius (forearm bone), femur (thigh bone), or tibia (shin bone).

Limb lengthening surgery in Delhi is a gradual process. Often touted as a major surgery, this procedure helps to lengthen the bones of the upper and lower extremities. It focuses on increasing the length of the bones and soft tissues. The procedure may take a long time to deliver results. If required, the surgeon may as well combine it with acute deformity correction to offer better outcomes.

Benefits of Limb Lengthening Surgery

  • For individuals suffering from bone discrepancies, limb lengthening surgery serves as a good solution.
  • It is also recommended in cases of bone growth abnormalities or shorter bones caused by skeletal dysplasia.
  • The procedure has a high success rate with positive outcomes.
  • When performed by a skilled surgeon, limb lengthening surgery may improve your gait, flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
  • This procedure treats complications of leg length discrepancies, including problems with posture or pain in the hips, back, knees, or ankles.

When is limb lengthening surgery performed?

The surgeon recommends this procedure to treat differences in the length of the arms or legs. Additionally, it may treat some conditions causing bone growth irregularities or shorter bone length. You may also opt for height increase surgery in Delhi, but only upon the advice of your doctor. They may recommend this surgery in the following cases:

  • Benign bone tumor on a growth plate
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Congenital femoral deficiency—a birth condition causing one femur to be shorter than the other
  • Hemihypertrophy, a rare condition causing one side of the body to grow more than the other side
  • Skeletal dysplasia or inherited conditions interfering with bone growth, including dwarfism
  • Growth plate fractures

How Limb Lengthening Surgery is Performed?

Before the surgery, the healthcare provider will take X-rays of your bone and measure it. These tests will help them determine the length of your bones. In most cases, you may expect your bone to grow up to two inches per surgery. The surgical team will give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery. They will inquire if you are on any medication and give other instructions to stop eating or drinking before the procedure.

Here's what happens on the day of surgery:

  • You will be given general anesthesia to put you to sleep and prevent any pain or discomfort.
  • The surgeon will perform an osteotomy by cutting the affected bone into two segments.
  • They will attach a limb lengthening device to the two segments of the bone. The limb lengthening device will be one of the two options:
    • External Fixator: The surgeon attaches a thin and light metal frame to the bones using pins or wires. The frames and most of the devices are outside the body. These devices stick out several inches from the body, making it hard to wear certain clothes.
    • Internal Rod: It is a much newer and advanced option with a screw-like device that the surgeon places inside the bone. This device is not visible outside the body.

Recovery

After the surgery, you will be brought to the recovery room and made to recover in the hospital for several days. Before leaving the hospital, the care team will give you instructions on using the limb lengthening device. For an external device, clean the pin sites every day to avoid infections. If you have an internal device, keep the surgical incisions clean until they completely heal.

  • The healthcare provider will put you on a physical therapy program where you may need several sessions each week. Physical therapy will help you build muscle strength and range of motion. It will also help your new bone become stronger.
  • You will be strictly advised not to bear heavy weights or not to exercise more than what your provider recommends, as it may lead to injury.
  • It is essential to follow a healthy diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein for proper nutrition.
  • See your provider for regular checkups. During each follow-up appointment, they will take X-rays to check the progress of your new bone growth. If required, they will make changes to your current treatment plan.

Cost of Limb Lengthening Surgery in Delhi

As this procedure is a major surgery, the cost of limb lengthening surgery in Delhi is slightly higher and is further affected by some factors. The average cost begins from 6,00,000 INR and may go up to a total of 10,00,000 INR, or even more, depending on the following factors:

  • Private hospitals charge more than government hospitals.
  • The type of procedure performed decides the overall cost of the surgery.
  • The experience of the surgeon also matters while deciding the cost of the surgery, with a more experienced professional charging a higher fee.
  • The use of advanced equipment influences the overall cost of the surgery.
  • Other factors affecting the cost of limb lengthening surgery in Delhi include duration of stay in the hospital and the type of implant used.

Why Choose Dr. Ashwani Maichand for Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Choosing Dr. Ashwani Maichand for limb lengthening surgery ensures expert care backed by extensive experience in complex deformity correction and advanced reconstruction techniques. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Maichand specializes in modern methods, including internal lengthening devices, Ilizarov techniques, and others, offering personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs.

Dr. Maichand's strong focus on safety, precision, and functional outcomes ensures both cosmetic improvement and mobility restoration. His patient-centric approach, comprehensive pre- and postoperative care, and consistent track record make him a trusted choice for all kinds of limb lengthening procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lengthening the limb by about 2 inches or 5 cm is considered safe when performed under expert supervision.

You may experience some discomfort, especially during the gradual lengthening phase. The healthcare provider will prescribe pain medication, physiotherapy, and other pain management techniques.

This procedure may make your limb taller by 2-3 inches.

Limb lengthening procedure may be done in both adolescents and adults. The ideal age for opting for this procedure is after 18 years.

An internal rod is implanted inside the bone and lengthens with a controlled mechanism. An external frame is worn outside of the limb and utilizes pins or wires to adjust the length of the bone.
Dr

Dr. Ashwani Maichand

MBBS, MS(Orthopaedics) | Mch(Orthopaedics)

- Sr. Consultant & Director at Minomax Orthopaedics

- Director Orthopaedics, CK Birla Hospital

- Fellowship Joint Replacement (USA & GERMANY)

- Visiting Surgeon HELIOSENDO at klinik, Hamburg, Germany

Dr. Ashwani Maichand brings with him a rich experience of Orthopaedics, more than a decade of which has been dedicated to joint reconstruction.

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