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Discussion Continued

Dysmorphophobia or body dysmorphic disorder is a distressing and impairing preoccupation with an imagined or grossly exaggerated defect of appearance. This disorder is associated with high rates of occupational and social disability, hospitalisation and suicide attempts. 8 Patients with dysmorphophobia may seek cosmetic operations to alter their subjective perceived abnormality. We excluded such patients but other authors have accepted them for limb lengthening. 14

Our results were gratifying in that the patients considered their stature as normal and they could shed their inferiority complex. We conclude that the Ilizarov method for cosmetic limb lengthening is a technique without major complications. However, it requires careful follow-up and the involvement of orthopaedic surgeons who are familiar with the circular frame and experienced in limb lengthening and correction of deformity for pathological conditions. Patients eligible for the procedure should be carefully selected and their co-operation is paramount for success.

Supplementary Material

A further opinion by Mr Christopher Bradish is available with the electronic version of this article on our website at www.jbjs.org.uk

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