Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Discussions => Topic started by: Philosopher on July 01, 2023, 02:20:18 PM
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I am interested in lenghtening tibias by 7 cm using precice, but I've heard various points that this amount is not safe. For one, paley institute writes that most
patients using precice will not tolerate more than 5 cm in the tibias (and it may cause equinus contracture), while dr. Yuksel Yurttas claims 6.5 is the limit and many others 7 cm.
So in general, how reasonable and safe is it to lenghten 7 cm tibias with precice, and what possible complications depending on the severity could there be? If those are quite managable with physiotherapy and some hard work, I think I am willing to take the risk.
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It depends on the person, some people can lengthen more than other.
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7 cm with precice is for most people way too much. According to Cyborg4life most people start to experience problems above 5 cm. And that's the maximum safe amount according to Paley...
http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=83916.0
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Thanks for the reply. However, is it theoretically possible to lengthen that much with precice, or is there some kind of limit to it as well (I know it's possible with LON)? Moreover, what is your personal opinion on how manageable those complications are?
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Sure the bone can lengthen 7 cm, you are risking fibular non union though.
But the main issue is bio mechanical and joint complications from the tibia to femur ratio being skewed, onset of arthritis, and achilles tendon related problems increase a lot the more you lengthen tibias.
Femurs also have their own set of problems the more you lengthen, but generally seem to be able to handle 6-7 cm better than tibias from what I’ve read on this forum through the years.
So again, it’s a question of how much you and the doctor are willing to risk these things. Each doctor will have their own limit. I wouldn’t go past 4 on tibias and 6 on femur personally.
The more you lengthen the higher the probability of long term problems.
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Is it typically the case that the amount of lengthening is agreed upon before the surgery, or is it possible to make adjustments afterwards if it appears feasible? I was wondering about situations where the lengthening procedure goes well and you might surpass your initial goal. Isn't the lenghtening part fully on your own or do you still have to get doctor's approval?
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i never saw anyone doing more than 6.5cm with precice, but there's a few who did 7.5cm with LON