Limb Lengthening Surgery Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Groundbreaking limb lengthening surgery helps individuals grow taller.
• Example: Ryan Wade, 5'7", expected to be nearly 5'11" after surgery.

Procedure Overview

• Surgeon: Dr. Kevin Debbie Parshat
• Location: Las Vegas
• Cost: $75,000
• Device: Steel implant in the upper bones of both legs.
• Mechanism: Remote control signals device to separate bones by 1 mm at a time, letting the body create new bone to fill the gap.

Patient Experience

• Ryan Wade
  • 32 years old
  • Lifetime desire to be taller.
  • Tired of wearing shoe implants.
  • Surgery to add 3 inches to his height.

Surgical Process

• Initial Steps: Precise measurements of legs.
• Drilling & Breaking Bone: Create channel in thigh bone for implant.
• Securing Implant: Screws are drilled in above and below the break in the bone.
• Testing: Remote ensures bone is separating.
• Success: Surgery lasted 3 hours; successful outcome.

Post-Surgery

• Physical Therapy: 3 months required, hard and painful.
• Patient Feedback: Previous patient, David Wilson, provides positive feedback.
  • Height increased from 5'7" to 5'9".
  • Adjusting to new leg length while seated.
• Ryan's Progress: 24 hours post-op, Ryan takes first steps.

Financial Aspect

• Cost: $75,000
• Patient's Willingness: Strong desire from an early age to undergo the surgery despite high cost.

Conclusion

• Major life enhancement for patients who’ve always desired increased height.
• Combination of innovative medical technology and rigorous physical therapy.