pins near my ankle the device used for lengthening
The Procedure
Limb lengthening is commonly done with an Illizarov fixator invented by Proffesor Gavriil Abramovich Illizarov. The Illizarov consists of things you might find in a garage. For example: threaded half pins/wires, rings, bolts, screws and more. During the procedure the patient is under general anesthesia so they do not feel a thing. the bone is surgically broken and held in place with the Illizarov. This procedure is also often done with a monotube.
my leg with the illizarov
my leg with the monotube
After Surgery
After the surgery the patient should not be in much pain because of pain medication. Usually the anesthesia results in nausea and feeling dizzy. The first few days will be a bit uncomfortable. It takes awhile to get used to the frame and not being able to do what your used to doing but you will get used to it. It may be frustrating sometimes but it will all work out.
Pin Care
Pin care is very important. You have to keep the pin sites clean to keep away infection. What you use to clean the pin site should be sanitized. If you see redness around any of the pin sites or if it is oozing you should have your surgeon look at them because they could be infected. It is good to keep gauze on the pin sites if they are still bleeding or oozing. Pin care can sometimes be painful at first but it is not that bad.
Physical Therapy
Physio is also something that is very important. It helps keep your muscles and tendons stretched so they do not stiffen up or weaken. Keeping your joints flexible is also very important. The more physio you do during the procedure the less you will have to after. If the frame is on your leg, walking is very important because it stimulates bone growth.
Complications
The limb lengthening success rate is high. Complications include: broken pins/wires (fixed by replacing the pin/wire), infections, and stiff joints. However, its good to know that it is rare to have major complications. Not having limb lengthening and having a major leg length difference can also have complications (such as back pain and hip arthritis). Your doctor will answer all your questions about your particular condition.
