New techniques can now help cure bone deformities

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KUWAIT CITY, Dec 27: Professor Dr. Michael Oglu — a specialist in bone restoration and treatment and lengthening of limbs at the Bali Middle East Clinic, in Burjeel Medical City, Dubai, says there are many reasons why a child may need leg straightening surgery due congenital deformity, an accident, or a developing disease which may be accompanied by shortening of one or both limbs, which requires the appointment of a specialized surgeon with experience in the field of bone lengthening and straightening, reports Al-Qabas daily. Dr. Oglu explained that recent developments in operating techniques and available devices have contributed to increasing the chance of success of therapeutic and reconstructive operations for children and adults.

He added, “Children are affected by genetic conditions that are widespread in the Gulf, including cases that cause pelvic dislocation, abnormal growth of the limbs, and excessive thinning of the bones, all of which previously required the child to perform large and complex operations that may be accompanied by many complications and psychological, financial, and health problems. “However, the development of medical technologies, the increase in doctors’ experience has made it possible to treat these cases through less invasive laparoscopic operations and the use of lighter external devices and anti-inflammatory screws.”

Dr. Oglu said that bone lengthening operations are among the real operations that are performed for medical reasons, such as treating dwarfism, problems with abnormal growth of limbs, and short stature. He explained, that through surgery, any deformity in the alignment of the bones (such as curved bones) can be corrected while increasing the length of the leg bones. Dr. Oglu explained that, in general, the youngest age at which it is suggested to undergo surgical height increase operations is 7 years, and it can be repeated over three surgical stages until the bones reach the stage of maturity (adulthood).

The operations can achieve a lengthening of up to 30 cm in length over 3 procedures or treatment stages. He pointed out that an adult can undergo limb lengthening operations, but one surgical stage is often recommended, as each surgical stage can achieve a lengthening of 13 cm (8 cm in the thigh bones and 5 cm in the leg).

Dr. Oglu explained that a week after the surgical operation and ensuring that the wounds and tissues have recovered, the doctor begins to change the settings of the external device to begin the stage of increasing the length of the limbs, and according to the safe and internationally recommended rate, the operation aims to increase the length of the bones by an amount ranging between 0.75 and 1 millimeter per day. Therefore, the patient’s length is expected to increase at a rate of 1 cm approximately every two weeks.
Important information:
• Adults are recommended to take one treatment stage to gain 13 cm in height
• The duration of treatment may last from 5-6 months, with a commitment to medical follow-up
• After the treatment is completed, the bones will become normal like any bone in the body
• The treated bone is distinguished by its ability to rebuild and repair any weakness
• Some cases can be treated with drugs and physical therapy
• It is recommended not to delay seeing a doctor if you notice a bow or limp

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