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The recovery time for limb lengthening surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the specific technique used, the extent of lengthening required, the patient’s overall health, and how well the patient follows post-operative instructions. However, in general, the recovery process can be divided into several phases:
Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Hospital Stay): Patients typically stay in the hospital for a few days to a week following surgery. During this time, they are closely monitored for any complications and are started on pain management and rehabilitation exercises.
Consolidation Phase (Lengthening Period): This phase begins after the initial post-operative period and continues until the desired lengthening is achieved. The rate of lengthening can vary but is usually around 1 millimeter per day. Patients are required to regularly adjust any external fixation devices as instructed by their healthcare team.
Healing and Rehabilitation Phase: After the lengthening phase is complete, patients enter a period of healing and rehabilitation. This phase focuses on regaining strength, range of motion, and function in the affected limb. Physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises are typically prescribed to help with this process.
Device Removal: Once the bone has fully healed and consolidated, any external fixation devices or internal implants used during the surgery may be removed in a separate procedure. This is usually done under local anesthesia and does not require a hospital stay.
Long-Term Follow-Up: Patients may require long-term follow-up with their healthcare team to monitor their progress, address any complications that may arise, and ensure that the limb heals properly.