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Limb Length Discrepancy Treatment in India

Surgical correction of unequal leg lengths in children using growth modulation or lengthening techniques.

Overview

Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD) treatment addresses unequal leg lengths in children, which can cause gait abnormalities, back pain, and joint problems if left untreated. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar specializes in both growth modulation techniques for growing children and limb lengthening procedures for more severe cases. LLD can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired due to fractures, infections, tumors, or developmental conditions. Discrepancies greater than 2cm typically require treatment. Dr. Kumar has successfully treated over 85 children with LLD using modern techniques including epiphysiodesis (growth plate modulation), limb lengthening with external fixators, and combination approaches. **Treatment Options Based on Severity:** - **< 2cm:** Shoe lifts, observation - **2-5cm:** Epiphysiodesis (slowing growth of longer limb) - **> 5cm:** Limb lengthening using Ilizarov or PRECICE nail techniques **When to Seek Treatment:** Treatment is most effective when started at the right skeletal age. For epiphysiodesis, ideal timing is 2-3 years before skeletal maturity. For lengthening, procedures can be done at various ages depending on the technique and discrepancy amount. Early evaluation is crucial for optimal planning.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Visible difference in leg lengths when standing

Limping or abnormal gait pattern

Hip, knee, or back pain

One shoulder appearing lower

Scoliosis or spinal curvature

Difficulty running or sports participation

Uneven shoe wear pattern

Fatigue with walking or standing

Pelvic tilt when standing

Compensatory toe-walking on shorter side

Procedure Details

Duration

1-2 hours for epiphysiodesis, 2-4 hours for lengthening

Anesthesia

General Anesthesia

Preparation for Surgery

Full-length standing X-rays (scanogram) to measure exact discrepancy. Growth charts and skeletal age assessment. Discussion of treatment options based on age and remaining growth. Pre-operative physiotherapy if needed.

Surgical Steps

1

General anesthesia

2

For Epiphysiodesis: Small incision over growth plate

3

Insertion of tension band plates or screws to slow growth

4

Or for Lengthening: Application of external fixator (Ilizarov)

5

Or insertion of internal lengthening nail (PRECICE)

6

Corticotomy (controlled bone cut) for lengthening

7

Wound closure

8

Post-op X-rays to confirm hardware position

9

For lengthening: Gradual distraction begins after latency period

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Week 1-2

Initial healing

For epiphysiodesis: Walking with crutches, weight-bearing as tolerated. For lengthening: Pin site care, learning distraction protocol.

Month 1-3

Mobilization

For epiphysiodesis: Return to normal activities. For lengthening: Daily lengthening adjustments (1mm/day), physiotherapy, ongoing monitoring.

Month 4-6

Lengthening phase completion

For lengthening: Lengthening goal achieved, consolidation phase begins. Bone healing monitored with X-rays.

Month 6-12

Consolidation and hardware removal

For lengthening: External fixator or nail removed when bone fully healed. Gradual return to activities.

Year 1-2

Full recovery

Complete bone remodeling, return to all sports and activities. Annual follow-ups to monitor growth.

Long-term

Growth monitoring

For epiphysiodesis: Hardware removed at skeletal maturity. Regular checks until growth complete.

Tips for Faster Recovery

For epiphysiodesis: Minimal restrictions, quick recovery

For lengthening: Strict pin site hygiene to prevent infection

Perform lengthening adjustments exactly as prescribed

Attend all physiotherapy sessions during lengthening

Report any signs of infection immediately

Keep weight-bearing within prescribed limits

Take calcium and vitamin D supplements

Be patient - lengthening takes 6-12 months total

Avoid contact sports during lengthening

Regular X-rays to monitor bone formation

Mental health support important during long treatment

Follow activity restrictions until doctor clearance

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What causes limb length discrepancy in children?

Causes include congenital conditions (hemihypertrophy, fibular hemimelia), developmental disorders (DDH, cerebral palsy), previous fractures with growth plate damage, infections, tumors, or conditions like Perthes disease. Some cases have no identifiable cause. Early diagnosis allows better treatment planning.

Q2.How much discrepancy requires treatment?

Less than 2cm: Usually managed with shoe lift. 2-5cm: Consider epiphysiodesis or minor lengthening. Greater than 5cm: Typically requires limb lengthening procedures. However, treatment decisions also depend on age, remaining growth, patient/family preferences, and functional impact.

Q3.What is epiphysiodesis and when is it done?

Epiphysiodesis is a procedure to slow or stop growth of the longer leg by inserting plates/screws across the growth plate. It is done 2-3 years before skeletal maturity when there is 2-5cm predicted discrepancy. It is simpler than lengthening but requires precise timing and cannot be done after growth plates close.

Q4.How does limb lengthening work?

Limb lengthening uses gradual distraction osteogenesis. After a controlled bone cut, an external fixator (Ilizarov) or internal nail (PRECICE) slowly pulls the bone apart at 1mm/day. New bone fills the gap over months. Once desired length achieved, the bone consolidates. Total treatment time is typically 1 month per cm lengthened plus consolidation time.

Q5.Is limb lengthening painful?

Modern techniques with proper pain management make lengthening tolerable. Pin site discomfort and muscle stretching occur but are managed with medications and physiotherapy. PRECICE internal nails are less painful than external fixators. Most children adapt well with appropriate support and distraction activities during treatment.

Q6.What is the maximum amount you can lengthen?

Safely, 5-8cm can be lengthened in one femur or tibia. For greater discrepancies, staged procedures or bilateral lengthening may be needed. Dr. Kumar uses modern techniques to maximize safety. Lengthening more than 20% of bone length increases complication risk, so treatment is carefully planned.

Q7.What are risks of lengthening surgery?

Risks include pin site infection (most common, 10-30%), joint stiffness, nerve injury, premature or delayed bone healing, hardware failure, muscle contractures, and psychological stress. Most complications are manageable. Dr. Kumar minimizes risks through meticulous technique, regular monitoring, and comprehensive rehabilitation protocols. Success rate at Arthoscenter is 89%.

Q8.How long does limb lengthening take?

Lengthening phase: 1 month per cm (e.g., 5cm takes 5 months). Consolidation phase: Usually 2x lengthening time (5cm takes 10 months to heal). Total with hardware removal: 12-18 months for 5cm lengthening. Epiphysiodesis hardware removed at skeletal maturity (1-3 years post-op).

Q9.Can my child play sports after treatment?

Yes! After epiphysiodesis, return to sports in 6-8 weeks. After lengthening, no contact sports during treatment. Full return to all sports once bone fully consolidated and hardware removed, typically 18-24 months post-surgery. Most patients achieve excellent function and participate in all desired activities.

Q10.What is the cost of LLD treatment in India?

At Arthoscenter: Epiphysiodesis ₹1-1.5 lakhs. Limb lengthening with external fixator ₹2.5-4 lakhs. PRECICE nail lengthening ₹6-8 lakhs (nail is expensive). Significantly more affordable than international costs (₹15-30 lakhs abroad). Cost includes surgery, hardware, hospital stays, and initial follow-ups. PMJAY/BSKY may cover epiphysiodesis. Book ₹999 consultation for personalized estimate.

Considering This Surgery?

Book an online video consultation with Dr. Gurudeo Kumar for just ₹999 and get all your questions answered