Orthopedics Forum - elongation of legs with an llizarov aparatus

Conditions and Diseases > Orthopedics Forum > elongation of legs with an llizarov aparatus

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Q: elongation of legs with an llizarov aparatus

asked by: DoctorQuestion on January 30th, 2009

My left leg was broken 30 years ago( a broken neck femur), now the left leg is shorter than the right 5 cm (2 inches) . Now I want to cure it,This is can be doing ? please show me how to cure for the two legs are equal. Thank you very much.

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on February 2nd, 2009

Orthopedics Hip, Knee, and Shoulder Injuries Answer A5622

You might consult an orthopedic or plastic surgeon about elongating the leg. He might recommend the Ilizarov apparatus. The procedure consists of initial surgery, when the bone is surgically fractured. Afterwards, the Ilizarov apparatus is attached. While the bone fracture heals itself, the frame of the apparatus is adjusted. By adjusting it with appropriate speed the regenerating part is elongated, thus resulting in an elongated leg in the end. During the surgery the patient is allowed to walk with crutches. When the healing is over, additional surgery is required to remove the Ilizarov apparatus and eventually to elongate the Achilles tendon, if necessary.

Additional factors, like the presence of osteoporosis, might be evaluated by the surgeon before deciding to perform the surgery.

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