What is Limb Lengthening Surgery Actually Called and How Much Does it Cost

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Hi everyone, I'm considering limb lengthening surgery and I was wondering what it's actually called and how much it costs? I've heard it's really expensive, but I'm not sure what to expect.

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Honestly, the cost can vary depending on the method and location. The cost of limb lengthening surgery can range from $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of device used. I paid around $70,000 for my Ilizarov surgery, but it was worth it for me. The pain during the first few weeks was tough, but my doctor was great and the rehab process was pretty smooth.

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I'm not sure it's worth the risk of complications, to be honest. I've read about people experiencing non-union, nerve damage, and other issues. Has anyone else had any negative experiences with limb lengthening surgery?

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Distraction Osteogenesis: A Review of the Literature

From my extensive research, it appears that distraction osteogenesis is a complex process involving the coordinated effort of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and fibroblasts. The Ilizarov method utilizes a gradual distraction of 1 mm/day, typically divided into four 0.25 mm increments, to stimulate callus formation and ultimately consolidation of the newly formed bone.

• The consolidation phase can last approximately 1 month of corticalization per centimeter of length gained, depending on the individual's bone quality and the length gained.
• The Ilizarov method has a reported bone union rate of around 90-95%, while the Precice and STRYDE devices have also shown high rates of bone union, but more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy.

Physiological Mechanisms

The process of distraction osteogenesis is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to involve the upregulation of growth factors such as BMP-2 and TGF-β, which stimulate osteoblast activity and promote bone formation.

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@LimbLengtheningLegend, that's really helpful to know. Did you have to pay for the surgery yourself or was it covered by insurance?

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@SkepticalSarah, I understand your concerns, but for me, the benefits of limb lengthening surgery far outweighed the risks. I had a great experience with my doctor and the Stryde device, and I'm happy to report that I've had no major complications.

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@OrthopedicResearcher, that's a great summary of the literature. I've been studying distraction osteogenesis for a while now, and it's fascinating to see how the different methods and devices can affect the outcome of the surgery.