Limb lengthening is a process that is used by orthopedic surgeons to add actual length to the bones in your arms and legs. It has the ability to help you become taller as well as ensure that your arms and legs are proportional to the length of your torso. And LA Orthopedics is proud to offer this revolutionary procedure to their patients.

Both children and adults can be candidates for this treatment. Those who opt for the height lengthening and deformity correction surgery are looking to add real inches to their frames or to remove and/or correct bone deformities that cause both physical dysfunction as well as remove unsightly deformities. Typical candidates for this procedure include those who have knock knees, asymmetrical leg lengths, those who have suffered loss of limb length or have bone deformities as a result of a congenital problem or who have suffered a trauma. And, of course, a host of other problems.

Limb lengthening surgery requires patients to have the affected limbs broken and then have steel expandable rods implanted into the tissue in order to encourage new bone to develop. This process will happen several times throughout the treatment process, extending the rods small lengths at a time until the appropriate length has been reached.

There are a variety of limb lengthening techniques available. The devices used can be external, internal, or both. After the surgical incision is made, the bone is pulled apart at a gradual rate of roughly 1 mm per day until the desired length is reached. The patient's anatomy determines the appropriate lengthening needed. New bone growth is strong and a natural part of the patient's own body. Patients undergo minimal pain due to the progressive growth; they can even walk independently with crutches during the process. Limb lengthening is typically considered a minimally invasive procedure and usually requires only one or two evenings in the hospital.

Patients with Dwarfism or achondroplasia (short stature), may benefit from surgery to increase height. This process can lengthen both legs of patients in order to help patients grow taller using their own bone and tissue. Achondroplastic dwarfs are especially good candidates for height increase surgery because of their inherent anatomy, actually lengthening limbs of these patients up to 12 inches in legs and 5 inches in the arms. This surgery gives these patients a greater quality of life and more independence.

Young adults who suffer from deformities such as being bow-legged or those who have a knock-knee issue are potentially in jeopardy of developing arthritis due to their anatomical misalignment. This surgical technique safely corrects many severe deformities to help these patients avoid the need for early joint replacement. Limb lengthening procedures are used to give individuals greater opportunities to improve their lives and enjoy daily activities with ease. No matter what cause brings a patient for limb lengthening surgery to LA Orthopedics, we have the world-class facilities to assist them overcome with the best procedures and fastest recovery times.

In order to determine whether or not you are a candidate for limb lengthening surgery, contact LA Orthopedics today and schedule your initial consultation appointment. You'll be glad you did.