Techniques for Bone and Leg Lengthening Surgery in Turkey
Ilizarov Technique:
The Ilizarov device is an external circular frame that stabilizes the bone with thin wires and external fixation devices. This technique can treat bone deformities, complex fractures, bone lengthening, and non-union fractures, among other conditions.
Holifix Technique:
This technique involves a unilateral column where external fixators are attached to the patient’s bones using screws. It reduces the risk of infection, is lightweight, and does not interfere with medical imaging devices. Additionally, the patient can walk with crutches during the treatment period, and there are no surgical scars after the treatment is complete.
LON Technique:
The LON technique combines an external lengthening device with an internal fixation rod. The external part resembles the Holifix device, which is responsible for lengthening, while the internal part stabilizes the bone. In this technique, the patient can begin walking with crutches right after surgery. It is highly reliable and widely used globally because it ensures bone stability.
Bersi 2 Technique:
This technique offers a more comfortable and safe surgical experience for bone lengthening through an internal Bersi 2 screw made of titanium. It operates with electromagnetic motors, allowing the internal screw to extend the bone with precise control via a remote magnetic device. The screw is inserted surgically inside the bone cavity of the thigh or leg, and small incisions are made in the legs for screw placement. Once the screws are in position, the incisions are sutured.
Stride Technique:
This is the most advanced and newest technique in bone lengthening, a new version of the Bersi technique. Both use a nail or screw inside the bone marrow. It provides a safer and more comfortable experience for the patient, as it can fully bear the patient’s weight. The material used is rust-resistant steel, and patients can walk using crutches after the procedure, without needing a wheelchair during the lengthening process. Additionally, surgical scars are significantly reduced compared to the Bersi technique.
Cost of Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery in Turkey:
- Ilizarov Technique: €13,500
- Holifix Technique: €14,500
- LON Technique: €16,000
- Bersi 2 Technique: €32,000
- Stride Technique: €52,000
Bone and leg lengthening surgery in Turkey costs approximately 60% less compared to European countries or the USA for all techniques, even though the hospitals performing these surgeries in Turkey are accredited with the American quality certification (JCI Accredited).
Medical Consultation:
If you are interested in traveling for leg and bone lengthening surgery in Turkey, contact us for guidance. We will direct you to the best hospitals and specialized orthopedic surgeons in the field of leg lengthening surgeries at the most affordable treatment costs. Just reach out to us.
Video Interview with an Orthopedic Surgery Professor:
Watch the video featuring Professor Sami Sokojo, a specialist in orthopedic surgery, who discusses leg and bone lengthening surgeries in Turkey, along with other relevant health details regarding the procedure.
Timeline for Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery in Turkey:
- Duration of Surgery: 2 to 4 hours
- Hospital Stay: 5 to 7 days
- Duration of Stay in Turkey: 15 to 20 days
- Full Recovery Time: 7 months from the surgery date
Contraindications for Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery in Turkey:
The surgery cannot be performed on patients with conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, or severe vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, smokers need to stop smoking for at least two months before undergoing the lengthening surgery.
Health Information Regarding Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery in Turkey:
What is Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery?
Leg and bone lengthening is a procedure to lengthen bones in the arms, legs, or thighs. The surgery is performed in gradual stages with the help of external or internal lengthening devices that pull the bone by approximately 1mm per day until the desired increase (e.g., 8 cm) is achieved. The surrounding tissues, including the skin, muscles, and nerves, are stretched accordingly through physical rehabilitation exercises to match the increased bone length.
How is Leg and Bone Lengthening Surgery Performed in Turkey?
In the first phase, the bones are cut, and lengthening screws are inserted. Afterward, the body starts filling the gaps with soft and thin connective tissue. The ends of the bones begin to stretch by around 1mm per day. The following phase is the hardening stage, which lasts about 7 months. During this phase, the body transforms the connective tissue into new bone, leading to an extended bone made by the body itself.
What Happens if the Process is Too Slow?
Although the standard rate of lengthening is 1mm per day, bone response varies from person to person. Some bones may heal quickly, resulting in premature union or premature consolidation, preventing the bone from lengthening. If premature consolidation is detected through an X-ray, the doctor may increase the rate of lengthening to 1.5mm or 2mm per day. If the bone fully consolidates before reaching the target length, the bone may need to be surgically separated again to continue the process.
What Happens if the Process is Too Fast?
While the usual lengthening rate is 1mm per day, some bones may take longer to heal. For example, smokers or diabetic patients may experience slower healing. If the bone regeneration process is slow, the doctor may temporarily shorten the bone to help the bone heal before continuing with lengthening.
What Stops the Target Length from Being Achieved?
If the patient does not attend physical therapy sessions or follow home exercises, muscle strength and range of motion may be affected, causing the doctor to stop the lengthening process. Achieving significant height increases may require more than one lengthening surgery. For example, a 4-inch increase may be achieved through two surgeries of 2 inches each, with a gap of a few years between procedures.
For more information on reliable resources about bone lengthening surgery in Turkey, please visit http://www.limblength.org.
