Age limit for limb lengthening

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 Which is the maximum age you can have this surgery without risking yourself too much becuase of delayed consolidation or even no union?

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I've seen people getting this surgery in their sixties and end up being OK. Having said that, they usually require BMAC injections for enhancing bone formation. The general consensus seems to be below 45 for men and below 40 for women.

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Quote from: chasingthedream on July 18, 2021, 08:58:42 PMI've seen people getting this surgery in their sixties and end up being OK. Having said that, they usually require BMAC injections for enhancing bone formation. The general consensus seems to be below 45 for men and below 40 for women.

Is it possible that age limit for LL becomes a thing of the past once they have fully mastered this surgery and get better understanding of bone healing? Maybe in the future people of all ages can do LL without any risk?

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I don't think so. This type of surgery has been around for a long time and everything to it is pretty much documented. The limiting factor of bone formation isn't related to the surgical technique itself, rather the biological capacity of a younger individual to make better bone improves the odds of a successful recovery.

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Pre-30s is the ideal time to do it, and above that the risk level goes up exponentially… that is, it’s still low in the 30s but then goes up a lot in the 40s and even more in the 50s etc.

Vast majority of CLL patients I met are young, under 30.

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I doubt it goes up exponentially in the 40s and 50s.

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Quote from: HobbitMan on July 19, 2021, 04:19:25 AMPre-30s is the ideal time to do it, and above that the risk level goes up exponentially… that is, it’s still low in the 30s but then goes up a lot in the 40s and even more in the 50s etc.

Vast majority of CLL patients I met are young, under 30.

im 34 and feel I can handle the surgery just as much as a 20 year old. It's usually people under 30 that think you are elderly as soon as that 3 goes before your age lol. I'm 34 and still consider myself young and in my prime. I'm a guy if that info matters.

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Quote from: Growing on July 20, 2021, 08:45:06 AMim 34 and feel I can handle the surgery just as much as a 20 year old. It's usually people under 30 that think you are elderly as soon as that 3 goes before your age lol. I'm 34 and still consider myself young and in my prime. I'm a guy if that info matters.

I’m happy you feel that way, but surgeons do consider a huge difference between a 20-something and a 30-something.  Lower healing capability, for men lower testosterone and other hormones as the man ages, and higher chance of dangerous trauma.  The difference isn’t large but around 30-something is where the risk curve begins to trend upwards at the exponential rate.  A 24 year old will on average recover significantly easier than a 34 year old.   Both are young enough that they can undergo the operation without major concern.  But a 25-and-under patient is a surgeon’s dream.

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There is no age limit.  I lengthened 9 cm at age 56 and did just fine.  Others lengthen at age 20 and have troubles. 

Like everything, there are pros and cons.  Older folks may be more patient and disciplined which can improve outcome.  Older folks may also heal less quickly (which might be good in terms of pre-consolidation or might be bad in terms of encountering a problem like infection).

You probably know that the best time to plant a tree was ten years ago.  The second best time is today.  In general, younger is better.  However, generalities are far less important than the condition of the specific patient undergoing treatment--and, you cannot make yourself any younger.

If you are worried about non-union, most reputable surgeons break your bone on Day 1; however, you do not start distraction until Day 7-10.  This is done to ensure your bones begin to knit before you start pulling them apart and create a bigger problem.

Talk in-depth with your surgeon to determine whether you are a good candidate.

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Quote from: HobbitMan on July 20, 2021, 03:17:12 PMI’m happy you feel that way, but surgeons do consider a huge difference between a 20-something and a 30-something.  Lower healing capability, for men lower testosterone and other hormones as the man ages, and higher chance of dangerous trauma.  The difference isn’t large but around 30-something is where the risk curve begins to trend upwards at the exponential rate.  A 24 year old will on average recover significantly easier than a 34 year old.   Both are young enough that they can undergo the operation without major concern.  But a 25-and-under patient is a surgeon’s dream.

Why are you spreading negativity and trying to bring us (men in their 30s) down?
Testosterone doesn't drop with age (or barely any), but because of a lifestyle:
https://www.reddit.com/r/science/comments/akdcos/age_doesnt_determine_mens_testosterone_levels/
Bones are strongest at about 30-35.
At 30-35 men are physically in their peak and you talk about us like we are in our 80s, risk doesn't grow exponentially in your 30s and healing is still fast because it is a young age, lifespan is 85 years and not 50, 30s are young and basically a peak age for men.

You are probably in your 20s, so why are you trying to demoralize us and not to demoralize yourself? You basically only wrote bad about our age group and good about your own age group, very selfish.

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