How big of an advantage is weight bearing during distraction?

Edit Post

Is weight bearing during distraction truly as great of an advantage as it is made out to be on this forum? I know obviously it is preferable to have a WB nail but how much different is it from a psychological standpoint during lengthening being able to WB / use crutches as opposed to a walker / wheelchair?

Would love if anyone who has used a WB nail like Stryde/Betzbone or a non WB nail like Precise could share their thoughts about their distraction process / recovery and how different it would have been if they were / weren't able to to WB. Or just thoughts about this in general from others too.

I am almost decided with what nail I am going to go with but just making sure I hear as many perspectives / experiences as possible.

Edit Post

Quote from: RB on February 20, 2021, 12:28:57 PMIs weight bearing during distraction truly as great of an advantage as it is made out to be on this forum? I know obviously it is preferable to have a WB nail but how much different is it from a psychological standpoint during lengthening being able to WB / use crutches as opposed to a walker / wheelchair?

Would love if anyone who has used a WB nail like Stryde/Betzbone or a non WB nail like Precise could share their thoughts about their distraction process / recovery and how different it would have been if they were / weren't able to to WB. Or just thoughts about this in general from others too.

I am almost decided with what nail I am going to go with but just making sure I hear as many perspectives / experiences as possible.

Weight bearing is a scam unless the manufacturer really guarantees it.
With the Betzbone for example there have been several cases of broken and bent nails while Betz never takes any responsibility for such cases.
Walking around with the nails is not necessary to get a good outcome. A good alternative is for example to exercise in a swimming pool.

Edit Post

I had betzbone on femur and tibia.
I walked 90% of the time without crutches during lengthening and nothing happened with nail.

To your question if theres an advantage of weightbearing early:

No there arent many important Advantages except that you dont need crutches at home during lengthening and can weightbear earlier.
But in terms of healing theres no difference between weightbearing and non-weightbearing nail.
I walked the entire time without crutches during my tibiaa lengthening and my recovery wasnt faster than people who did tibia LON for example.

Edit Post

Check the weight limit on the nails.  If it's half your weight per nail, that means you can stand.  Just keep both feet on the ground and don't walk and you'll get most of the benefits of weight-bearing.

Edit Post

Given my line of work and the fact I am strongly considering returning to university to go to medical school, it's essential I'm able to weight bear.