Why is this procedure done?
Sometimes, people have legs that are different lengths. This may be due to a disease, injury, or growth problem. The doctor may suggest a procedure to slowly make the legs the same length. This is called a leg lengthening surgery. A metal device is placed on the leg and slowly adjusted over months of time. The leg will slowly get longer. ‚
The device is called an external fixator. It is made of a metal frame that pulls the bone little by little. It needs to be adjusted a few times a day. It also supports the bone while it heals. The bone may lengthen up to 1 inch each month, based on the persons health. The process can add up to 6 inches to the leg's length. ‚
You will need to: ‚
- Wear and adjust the metal device for a long period of time
- Go to doctor visits often
- Clean the wounds to prevent infection
- Follow a rehab program
What will the results be?
After the procedure, you will need to adjust the device a few times each day. This will cause the bones in the leg to grow longer. Then, both sides of your body will be equal in length. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Your doctor may ask you to take a shower with a special soap before going to the hospital. This will lessen the amount of germs on your body.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are fully asleep.
- Your leg will be cleaned.
- Your doctor will cut the skin and then cut or crack the leg bone.
- Metal pins and screws are placed through the skin and into the bone. Your doctor will close the skin with stitches. Your doctor will attach the frame of the external fixator to the pins and screws around your leg.
- Your doctor will cover the stitches with clean bandages.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may have to stay in the hospital for a week or longer.
- You may feel some pain when the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor will give you drugs for this.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give you drugs for pain and to prevent infection. Take them as ordered by your doctor.
- You will learn how to care for your external fixator. This will include learning how to:
- Adjust the screws to make your leg longer. You may need to adjust these 2 to 3 times a day.
- Clean the wound, pins, and screws. You will learn what signs of infection to look for.
- Move about without putting weight on your leg. You may be told to use crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair.
- Wash your hands before touching your wound. You can take a shower when your doctor tells you to. You may use soap and water to wash your wound. Make sure not to soak it. Gently dry the wound with a clean towel.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Put 2 or 3 pillows under your lower leg when you lie down. This will help lower swelling.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may also need to see a physical therapist (PT). The PT will teach you exercises to help you get back your strength and motion. You may have to go to therapy 2 or 3 times a week for the first 6 weeks.
- Your doctor will schedule another procedure to remove the pins and screws. Your doctor will schedule this after 3 to 6 months.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Your doctor will give you a special ID card for the metal pins and screws in your leg bone. Bring this card with you always, especially when going to airports and buildings with metal detectors.
- You may need to continue therapy for 6 to 9 months after the external fixator is removed. You need to follow any activity limits set by your doctor or therapist to prevent injury or damage to your leg.
Will physical activity be limited?
Your activity will be limited for a while. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Injury to bones or nerves
- Pins, screws, or fixator may break
- Allergic reaction to the metal pins, wires, or frame
- Joint stiffness
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00259 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚