What is Limb Lengthening by Llizarov?

Llizarov is the oldest and the most common way to lengthen limbs. It is devised by Russan physician Gavril Abramovich Ilizarov in 1951. Several doctors who perform the surgery in the United States studied with Dr. Ilizarov in Russia in the 1980's.

Basically, the doctor will cut your lower limb bones called tibia just below your knees. Then the doctor will apply the llizarov frames or braces around your legs to hold the bones together. When you stand up, you will be walking on these frames and not on your broken tibias. The frames are also used to lengthen your tibias by turning screws four times a day, which is equal to 1 mm a day.

The lengthening period depends on the length desired. It may take 2 to 3 months. You may gain 2 to 3 1/2 inches. After the lengthening period, you will have the recovery and consolidation period. This may take around 3 to 6 months, depending on the age of the patient. The younger you are, the faster the healing. It also depends on the genes of the patient and the food eaten.

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