Here's the response from Dr. Richard Luzzi
1) How many patients have you operated for cosmetic Limb Lengthening so far and How many patients do you operate yearly?
More than 20. This last year 5;
2) What is the estimated total cost, including post-op treatments, stay, medications, physiotherapy? Are unscheduled surgeries covered and How much does a consultation cost?
Range from US$70,000 up to US$110,000 (depending on which hardware can be used, where you'll stay after hospital discharge - fancy hotel or a regular hotel);
Options are LON using Orthofix LRS + titaniun nails or ISKD. There are a cheaper option using LON with Ilizarov + titanium nails (around US$ 55,000).
3) What kind of physical therapy is assigned to the patient?
There are 3 physical therapists in our team, coordinated by Giselle Abagge. Patients usually work with then at least 2 hours a day, plus 3 or 4 hours alone;
4) What maximum amount of lengthening do you recommend per segment, regarding patient safety? What is the daily rate of lengthening?
Safety reasons: 5cm tibias, 6cm femurs;
5) What are your opinions regarding the weightbearing of the patients?
I do not recommend full weigth bearing during lengthening period. Overload a telescopic nail can brake its lengthening dispositive, and if using lengthening over nails can loose half pins specially if monolateral frames are used;
6) How often will you follow up with patients during lengthening?
Almost every day. Physical therapy area is just next door of our "HQ". Patients went back to out-patient clinic once a week for x-rays, etc.
7) How fast can patients return to normal life (walking without support)? What is the time required to lengthen 5 cm and 7.5-8 cm ?
For 5cm usually, with independency and a better gait progression, around 3 months.
Dr Richard Luzzi MD MSc
Email: richard.luzzi@gmail.com
Phone: +55-41-3082-4836
+55-41-3315-1764
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Topic: Dr. Richard Luzzi (Curitiba, Brazil ) CERO Hospital Vita Curitiba (Read 15893 times)