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Limb Lengthening Surgery in plastic surgery involves various techniques and procedures to treat conditions that may lead to limb amputation or have already caused significant damage to the lower limbs. This type of surgery is often necessary following trauma, infection, cancer, or chronic diseases and aims to preserve or restore the functionality and appearance of the affected limbs.
At the Cleveland Clinic Florida, limb salvage procedures are used to treat complex bone fractures, conditions affecting blood supply in the lower limbs like venous disease or peripheral artery disease, loss of function due to failed ankle or knee replacement surgeries, osteosarcoma in a lower limb, and severe leg wounds or infections, including those related to diabetes. The limb salvage process involves collaboration between plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons, and oncologists. Preoperative imaging, such as CT scans and MRIs, are used to plan surgery effectively. The surgery may involve removing cancerous tissue, restoring blood flow, or attaching healthy tissue to aid wound healing.
The University of Colorado Hospital's Plastic and Reconstructive Clinic offers a multidisciplinary program integrating plastic surgery, orthopedic surgery, and vascular surgery. They deal with unstable scar and chronic wounds, scar contracture, tendon exposure, bone or fracture non-union, osteomyelitis, and targeted muscle reinnervation. They use advanced techniques for stable wound closure and optimal healing, including comprehensive wound care, nerve surgery, biologic matrices, and skin grafts.
Brigham and Women's Hospital provides state-of-the-art surgical care for the leg and foot, focusing on enhancing functionality and improving mobility. Their surgeons are known for groundbreaking treatments and advanced reconstruction techniques. The treatment approach is personalized, addressing issues ranging from recent injuries to congenital malformations. They employ a multidisciplinary approach, involving various specialists, and are known for their expertise in limb reconstruction, restoration care, prosthetic advances for amputation patients, and advanced foot and limb transplant.
In addition to these, other surgical reconstructive techniques for the lower limbs include skin grafts and flap surgery. Skin grafts involve transferring a healthy skin patch from one part of the body to cover the damaged area. Flap surgery involves transferring a piece of tissue, along with its blood vessels, from one part to another part of the body. This is particularly useful for more complex defects due to the presence of their own blood vessels.
Limb lengthening involves distraction osteogenesis, gradually separating bone to stimulate growth. It is used for discrepancies, deformities, bone loss, and joint contractures.
These procedures aim to preserve or restore limbs affected by trauma, severe infection, tumors, or non-healing wounds using grafts, flaps, and advanced reconstructive methods.
Limb salvage maintains natural function, walking pattern, and appearance, offering survival rates comparable to amputation, but often requires longer rehabilitation and multiple follow-up surgeries.
Patients typically begin partial weight-bearing after 6–8 weeks, regain walking independence within months, and undergo long-term physiotherapy to optimize alignment, mobility, and healing.
Limb salvage may allow walking within 2–3 months, while limb lengthening timelines vary, requiring extended rehabilitation depending on bone healing and consolidation rates.
Why Choose Us
Excellent facilities and skilled surgeon. The limb lengthening procedure was done with precision. Regular checkups and clear instructions helped me recover faster than expected.
Dr. YV Rao and his team were very professional. My limb length discrepancy was affecting my posture, and this surgery has made a big difference. Thank you for the care!
I chose limb lengthening for cosmetic reasons. The entire journey was well managed, from surgery to recovery. It's a long process, but the results are worth it. Great experience overall.
My son had a shorter leg due to a birth condition. After limb lengthening surgery, he's walking more confidently. We're thankful for the doctor's care and constant follow-up.
I underwent limb lengthening surgery here to correct a leg length difference. Dr. YV Rao explained the process clearly and the outcome was excellent. Very happy with the results!