Dr Maurizio Catagni (Lecco, Italy) 2015 Revision

He only performs tibia procedures and states that he does not recommend tibia if you are considered normal? What is happening

by normal, he means you do not experience depression due to your height… By tibia, he signifies the limb lengthening….

Could we possibly obtain a more comprehensive response regarding this? I’m feeling a bit puzzled. This response is quite blunt.

Background
Professor at the Milano University, Medical School
Former Chief of Orthopaedic department and the Ilizarov Unit “Alessandro Manzoni ” Hospital – Lecco
Director of the Ilizarov Unit at Mangioni Hospital – Lecco

Cosmetic lengthening procedure:
I use the external fixation or internal with Precise for leg lengthening 7-8 cm

With the ex fix, you can walk immediately; however, with the nail, you cannot walk for 5 months (risk of nail breakage)

Usually, I perform the surgery, and, after 3 days, you can return home (if you live in Europe)

After 30 days, I need x-rays (you may take them home and send me via e-mail). After another 15 days, I need to see you clinically with new x-rays, followed by check-ups every 3-4 weeks in Lecco until the lengthening is completed (usually 4 months)

During the lengthening period (after 3-4 cm), you will likely require Achilles tendon lengthening, and you will have to stay at the hospital for an additional 3 days. The cost of this procedure is included in the fee.

Ilizarov frame for leg lengthening:
At the leg level, with 2 levels of osteotomy in the tibia and one level osteotomy in the fibula, for a total of 5-8 cm, depending on the patient.

The rate of lengthening is 1⁄4 mm 2 or 3 times a day for each level (depending on the age and biology of the patient); in total, this is 1 or 1.5 mm per day

The treatment duration is:
– 70-90 days for lengthening with simultaneous Physiotherapy; walking with crutches.
– 4-5 months for bone consolidation

Could we possibly obtain a more comprehensive response regarding this? I’m feeling a bit puzzled. This response is quite blunt.

5) As a patient, I have to have faith in your expertise and opinions. Although some medical professionals oppose leg-lengthening for aesthetic purposes, I believe it is ultimately the decision of the patient and the operating physician to assess whether the procedure is sufficiently safe and secure for such cosmetic recommendations.
– I do not recommend tibial lengthening for those who are normal unless there are significant psychological issues involved.

Could we obtain a more comprehensive explanation for this? I’m a bit perplexed. This is a very blunt response.

I actually inquired about it (not directly, due to him mentioning that his son shares the same height as me but he won’t perform the operation on him). What he meant is that since the procedure is challenging (particularly psychologically), one should explore other methods to overcome height neurosis. One must ensure that height is indeed the source of their distress. If your height neurosis is genuinely troubling you, then you should contemplate undergoing it. If it’s merely a passing concern, engage in a hobby or pursue another interest (a suggestion he made to me directly).

He only performs tibia procedures and states that he does not recommend tibia if you are considered normal? What is happening

by normal, he means you do not experience depression due to your height… By tibia, he signifies the limb lengthening….

Background
Professor at the Milano University, Medical School
Former Chief of Orthopaedic department and the Ilizarov Unit “Alessandro Manzoni ” Hospital – Lecco
Director of the Ilizarov Unit at Mangioni Hospital – Lecco

Cosmetic lengthening procedure:
I use the external fixation or internal with Precise for leg lengthening 7-8 cm

With the ex fix, you can walk immediately; however, with the nail, you cannot walk for 5 months (risk of nail breakage)

Usually, I perform the surgery, and, after 3 days, you can return home (if you live in Europe)

After 30 days, I need x-rays (you may take them home and send me via e-mail). After another 15 days, I need to see you clinically with new x-rays, followed by check-ups every 3-4 weeks in Lecco until the lengthening is completed (usually 4 months)

During the lengthening period (after 3-4 cm), you will likely require Achilles tendon lengthening, and you will have to stay at the hospital for an additional 3 days. The cost of this procedure is included in the fee.

Ilizarov frame for leg lengthening:
At the leg level, with 2 levels of osteotomy in the tibia and one level osteotomy in the fibula, for a total of 5-8 cm, depending on the patient.

The rate of lengthening is 1⁄4 mm 2 or 3 times a day for each level (depending on the age and biology of the patient); in total, this is 1 or 1.5 mm per day

The treatment duration is:
– 70-90 days for lengthening with simultaneous Physiotherapy; walking with crutches.
– 4-5 months for bone consolidation