After the desired length has been achieved, the consolidation phase begins and continues until the newly regenerated bone fully hardens and full weight bearing activities can be resumed. Patients may leave the Las Vegas area during the consolidation phase but must continue with prescribed excercise and nutrition regimens.

Introduction

The technology and surgical skills used in the LimbplastX™ cosmetic limb lengthening procedure, while highly specialized, are widely used thousands of times a year in the United States to repair broken arms & legs, correct length discrepencies & congential defects and even for cancer related limb reconstructions- all serious medical applications that present challenges that are relatively complex compared to cosmetic limb lengthening cases with healthy patients.

LimbplastX utilizes the FDA approved Nuvasive® PRECICE Intramedullary Nail System and the latest version of the PRECICE 2.2 nail or the new STRYDE Nail System with increased weight bearing tolerances. Co-developed and researched by Dr. Debiparshad for Nuvasive, the 2.2 version of the PRECICE implant is the most commonly used surgical limb lengthening device used worldwide. This was also the first version of the Nuvasive implant nail that was specifically developed for cosmetic limb lengthening applications.

Consultations

The process to become a patient begins with an initial consultation with Dr. Debiparshad, conducted online through a video chat, to answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure and to determine if you are a suitable candidate. Your medical history wll be evaluated, as well as your goals and expectations. An in-person consultation at our practice in Las Vegas is then scheduled where a complete physical exam and radiographic imaging is conducted to determine final candidacy.

Pre-Surgery

Prior to surgery your current medical condition will be evaluated and recommendations will be made to ensure the best possible surgical outcomes. We will provide detailed, individually tailored recomendations for diet, that may include recomendations for supplementation, and exercise regimens that promote flexibility and optimal healing.

Surgery

The LimbplastX surgical procedure is minimal invasive and can generally be accomplished with one 1-inch incision and three ½ inch incisions for femur lengthening. Tibia lengthening requires 2 additional small incisions to implant the device. Surgical time to perform the procedure is approximately 1 hour for both limbs. During the surgery PRECICE implant nails are placed into the intermedullary canal (hollow inner part of bone). After the procedure the implanted device will respond to a remote control to gradually lengthen the bone. This process is usually painless.

Post-Surgery

After surgery patients remain in the hospital for a 2-day admission and are monitored by trained nursing staff. A specialized physical therapist will make daily visits to begin physical therapy and to assist with the start of the lengthening phase of the procedure if approved by Dr. Debiparshad.

Lengthening Phase & Physical Therapy

After discharge from the hospital, patients are transferred to nearby, residential accomodations and continue with the lengthening phase of the procedure. The lengthening phase will continue until the desired lengthening has been achieved. Approximately 25 days for every inch of lengthening is required for femurs and 32 days per inch for tibias. Patients will also undergo physical therapy 5 to 6 days per week for a minimum of 1 hour a day.

Consolidation & Completion

Once the desired length/height has been achieved then the lengthening phase is stopped and the consolidation phase begins. The newly regenerated bone will begin to fully harden and weight bearing restrictions must be be adhered to until follow up x-rays confirm that normal walking and weight bearing activities can be safely resumed. At this point patients can leave the Las Vegas area but should continue with prescribed physical therapy regimens as well as dietary and supplement recommendations.