Limb Lengthening Forum
Limb Lengthening Surgery => Limb Lengthening Patients Experiences => Topic started by: 6ft (inthemorning) on August 10, 2023, 02:42:57 AM
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Im a 21yo femur lengthening patient who just finished distraction today (8cm). I got my x-rays done and these are the results.
Are the nails bent? If so, how bad is it?
I'm 140lbs and have taken a few unassisted steps, as well as done regular hydrotherapy in belly deep water. Im worried.
[https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/1791/6Xp7yl.jpg][https://imagizer.imageshack.com/img924/2305/sBcruU.jpg]
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It looks like your nail has a slight bend that is not noticeable, but it is not broken, and maybe it is not a big deal.
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Who did your surgery? Yeah walking unassisted on Precise 2.2 is a huge no-no and 100% what caused it. I think at best you lose 2-3mm from if it didn't bend. At worst, the surgeon will think the bone will consolidate bent and you'll need to replace it with another nail before it consolidates. I'm fairly certain it's not a big issue, but your surgeon is going to be the one to ask
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How many steps did you think you walked, and was it in the distraction fase nail holding your 8 cm "gap"?
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As others have mentioned, there might be a possibility that the nails are bent, but could it be that the images are distorted?
Your X-ray images might be a concatenation of several X-ray images, and in that case, distortion may occur.
Comparing them with the images before accidentally unassisted steps might also be helpful in making a diagnosis.
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The nails are clearly bent. Stop exceeding the max allowed loading. Be patient. Doctor can tell you if bent so much it's an issue but my guess is it's fine if it doesn't get worse. No more walking unassisted until doctor clears you as fully consolidated. Good luck.
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Who did your surgery? Yeah walking unassisted on Precise 2.2 is a huge no-no and 100% what caused it. I think at best you lose 2-3mm from if it didn't bend. At worst, the surgeon will think the bone will consolidate bent and you'll need to replace it with another nail before it consolidates. I'm fairly certain it's not a big issue, but your surgeon is going to be the one to ask
Dr. Mahboubian is my surgeon. The nails were straight when inserted so I definitely put too much weight on them. I will consult with him tomorrow.
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How many steps did you think you walked, and was it in the distraction fase nail holding your 8 cm "gap"?
Yes, I have been taking a few steps around the kitchen unassisted for the second half of the distraction phase.
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As others have mentioned, there might be a possibility that the nails are bent, but could it be that the images are distorted?
Your X-ray images might be a concatenation of several X-ray images, and in that case, distortion may occur.
Comparing them with the images before accidentally unassisted steps might also be helpful in making a diagnosis.
No, the images aren't distorted. These are single images, not combined. I compared the images with prior x-rays and there is definitely a curvature which wasn't there before.
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Yes, your nails are bent. You need to be evaluated by an orthopedic surgeon to decide on follow up care and treatment.
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Look bent to me as well. Why would you take unassisted steps lol? That’s the one thing they ask you not to do.
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keep us posted on what dr m says. Im pretty curious
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No, the images aren't distorted. These are single images, not combined. I compared the images with prior x-rays and there is definitely a curvature which wasn't there before.
OK, your nail is indeed bent. However, since the bending is mild, I believe there should be no problem if you limit the load and live cautiously until consolidation. Please take care.
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Yes, I have been taking a few steps around the kitchen unassisted for the second half of the distraction phase.
It's actually sort of wild because the second half of the distraction phase is actually where the nail is the weakest. But it also shows how strong the nails are even at 8cm capacity. The company says it can only support 75pounds yet you are walking around with 140pounds of weight on it and all that happened was a slight bend.
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keep us posted on what dr m says. Im pretty curious
I met with Dr. Mahboubian yesterday and he said it wasn't a big deal— just be extra careful during consolidation. He measured the femural bowing to be 1-2 degrees and said it's within a normal range and he's seen much worse. Also said that it won't cause any long term knee or ankle pain. I'm feeling better I just hope all of this is true. My bone growth looks strong too.
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就怕你后期彻底断了
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Its a little dangerous.
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I met with Dr. Mahboubian yesterday and he said it wasn't a big deal— just be extra careful during consolidation. He measured the femural bowing to be 1-2 degrees and said it's within a normal range and he's seen much worse. Also said that it won't cause any long term knee or ankle pain. I'm feeling better I just hope all of this is true. My bone growth looks strong too.
I'm glad you are going to be ok without needing any further medical intervention. But, let this be a warning to prospective patients. Precice 2.2 is not weight bearing, and you should never walk unassisted unless your Doctor instructs you to.
There was a study that included a patient that went hiking while still undergoing consolidation. He wound up breaking his nail entirely. Don't do it!