Some children and adults have this condition where the shape of their legs might be altered or deformed. This condition might be something they are born with called congenital, or it can be because of some accidents that caused a broken bone. A limb reconstruction surgery is performed to correct such a condition.

 In this article, Dr. Sandeep Singh will give a brief insight into limb reconstruction surgery. Dr. Sandeep Singh is one of the best orthopedic doctor in Bhubaneshwar; currently, he practices at Care Hospital Bhubaneswar.

Below we’ll see Dr. Sandeep Singh discuss limb reconstruction surgery.

What is limb reconstruction surgery?

Limb reconstruction deals with conditions such as when the limb is in the wrong shape, length, or size, affecting its functionality. Limb reconstruction surgery is performed by the orthopedic surgeon using various techniques in which the deformed condition of the limb is restored to a proper shape by realigning bones, correctly positioning or stabilizing joints, and sometimes making bones longer.  

Some of the deformities can be corrected quickly by the surgeon, but some deformities require an external fixator(an external fixator is a metal frame placed outside the limb that is attached by screws or wires that run through the skin)

Some conditions that require limb reconstruction surgery

Many different kinds of limb deformities are treated with limb reconstruction surgery. 

If you have any of the following conditions mentioned below, then you can visit an orthopedist and consult. If you want to know the best orthopedic hospitals in India then click here at clinicspots.

Below we’ll see some conditions that need limb reconstruction surgery:

Fibula hemimelia

Fibula hemimelia is a congenital condition. This condition is very rare and occurs in 1 in 40,000 births. Fibula hemimelia is a condition where a small part of the whole fibular bone is missing. While fibula hemimelia affects only one leg, bilateral fibula affects both legs.

Congenital short femur

The congenital short femur is a condition that develops during the prenatal stage and affects the growth of the upper part of the limb. Congenital short femur causes the femur to be slightly smaller or much smaller than the other leg. This can affect the legs’ functionality and cause other problems such as leg-length discrepancies and hip and knee instability.

Congenital tibial pseudarthrosis

Congenital tibial pseudarthrosis is a condition where the broken bone fails to heal on its own, which can cause further complications if not treated properly. This condition affects children below the age of 2. Congenital tibial pseudarthrosis is a very rare condition that occurs in only 1 in every 250,000 births. 

Achondroplasia 

Achondroplasia is also referred to as short-limbed dwarfism. This condition is caused by heredity or genetic mutation. People with achondroplasia typically have short arms and legs, an enlarged head, and an average-sized torso. 

Parents who have achondroplasia are likely to pass the condition to their children.Hormones may be taken to increase height. Surgery can help correct an abnormal curvature of the spine in rare cases.

Club foot 

A club foot is a condition wherein the foot’s shape is twisted or out of shape. Club foot can be treated with limb reconstruction surgery. 

Contractures

Contractures may be caused by injury, scarring, nerve damage, or not using the muscles. A permanent tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin and nearby tissues causes the joints to shorten and become very stiff. This prevents the normal movement of joints or other body parts. 

Fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia is an uncommon bone disorder in which scar-like (fibrous) tissue develops in place of normal bone. This irregular tissue can weaken the affected bone and cause it to deform or fracture.

Broken bones 

A broken fracture is a break or cracks in the leg. A broken bone can happen due to various reasons like falls, accidents, sports injuries, and running long distances. 

Limb reconstruction surgery

Dr. Sandeep Singh, one of the best orthopedic doctor in Bubaneshwar says, a limb reconstruction treatment is performed on an abnormal limb to make it as normal as possible. Limb reconstruction includes various treatment options along with limb reconstruction surgery to correct the deformity. 

Limb lengthening surgery

Limb lengthening treatment focuses on using the body’s capacity to regenerate and heal. The human body can produce new bone, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, and soft tissues that offer the required environment and support to enable its functioning. Both the upper and the lower limbs can be lengthened. 

The orthopedic surgeon performs an osteotomy to cut the bone that requires lengthening. This is then stabilized using internal or external fixators.

Internal limb lengthening – Internal limb lengthening is when the device used to lengthen the bone is inserted inside the bone 

(Internal Fixator)

External limb lengthening: External fixators are devices that attach to the bone through wires and pins. The external fixator looks and acts like a scaffolding, supporting the separated bone. The fixator mechanically lengthens the limb by pulling the segments of bone apart.

(External Fixator)

Limb surgery to treat non-union infection

A non-union is an infected bone area where the broken bones develop infection despite the patient giving the most suitable treatment to heal the broken bone. 

Infected non-unions are very difficult to treat. Along with the orthopedic surgeon, assistance and expertise of an infectious disease specialist, plastic surgeon, and radiologist are required for treating a non-union infection overall. 

First, the orthopedist will clean the area and remove the pus using a tissue swab. A specialist will evaluate this tissue swab. The specialist will suggest some antibiotics to treat the wound.

A plastic surgeon could also reconstruct the surrounding skin and restore it to the normal shape.

Recovery after limb treatment or surgery

Children recover faster than adults. Recovery in adults depends from person to person.

According to Dr. Sandeep Singh, one of the best orthopedic doctor in Bhubaneswar, it’ll take 3-4 months for you to recover completely.

What can you expect during the three months of recovery:

The first week – you will feel discomfort and pain during the first week after the surgery.

2nd month to 3rd month – during this time, your physical therapist will teach you how to move and stretch your body to ease stiffness and promote quick healing.

End of month 3 – your physical therapist and doctor will work to set up your new normal, and they will advise you on recommended long-term exercise plans and how you get the most out of your limb lengthening surgery.

For some people, it might take at least 6 months to recover.