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[secondclasscitizen]

Ive concluded-from being on this and another LL forum wayyy too long- that the best way to lengthen in terms of femur is internally.

But I haven't been able to decipher what is the best option for tibia-suppose money is not an issue.
In terms of recovery and pain is internal the best option for tibia as well or external? I see sooo many more people getting externals on their tibia's but it it because this is cheaper or because it's the over all better method?

I know Paley offers the precise 2 which is now weight bearing in the tibia's as well. It would leave way less scarring behind so initially I'm drawn to this option (but I know worst case scars can be removed by laser). But I'm assuming since very little people have gone this route that maybe it isn't best for the over-all well being of your legs. Are externals the safest and best method when lengthening your tibias? (forgetting the money factor)

[Wannabegiant]

The main reasons for getting external for tibias seem to be the cheaper price. But there is also the fact that this method is less invasive and you dont need another operationen for the nail removal that internal methods require (unless you want to keep the rod in the bone but i cant see that being good in the long run)

Also there seems to be a high risk of getting (permanent?) knee pains with internal as they need to cut some part of the knee open to insert the nail from there.

[jerry]

Also there seems to be a high risk of getting (permanent?) knee pains with internal as they need to cut some part of the knee open to insert the nail from there.

That is only for the internal Tibias right? Because for internal femurs, they insert the nail via the hip & butt area, so it won't affect your knees.   

[FrankGarrett]

The main reasons for getting external for tibias seem to be the cheaper price. But there is also the fact that this method is less invasive and you dont need another operationen for the nail removal that internal methods require (unless you want to keep the rod in the bone but i cant see that being good in the long run)

Also there seems to be a high risk of getting (permanent?) knee pains with internal as they need to cut some part of the knee open to insert the nail from there.

Yeah, for internal tibae, the risk of permanent knee pain is something like 30%. Too high for me so I want to do external-only.

I could be wrong but I think it's caused by the rods preventing the bone from healing properly.

[Metanoia]

Hi,

Internal Tibia lengthening is nothing to be recommended. I have only seen patients of Dr. Betz and they all had some permanent damage. The complication rate for internal tibia lengthening is much higher than for internal femur lengthening. Typical complications are bone infection, nerve damage, loss of function, compartment syndrome.

[Medium Drink Of Water]

I agree with pretty much everything posted so far, but wanted to add that the scars from the Ilizarov pins were the easiest to remove and are barely noticeable now.  The scars at the knee from the internal nail insertion/removal and the osteotomy scars are the worst.  This is in terms of the expense and final result you'll get from going to a plastic surgeon.

[secondclasscitizen]

Wow thank you...it makes a lot more sense to me now. Deff not worth risking permanent knee pain and an extra surgery is a turn off as well.

Very very helpful thank you again!

[crimsontide]

im  very content with the decision to go external... no nail in the knee for me

[Medium Drink Of Water]

im  very content with the decision to go external... no nail in the knee for me

Yeah that's the only regret I have.  I wish I'd known at the time but the vets just weren't talking about it back in 2007.

[KiloKAHN]

If I were to go external I'd like to use Taylor Spatial Frames. They look very sturdy.

[Taller]

If I were to go external I'd like to use Taylor Spatial Frames. They look very sturdy.

Agreed. They are sturdy, fully weight-bearing, and they allow for almost any kind of correction you could imagine. With the right doctor and TSF, there's no reason that your tibaie wouldn't be perfectly aligned after LL.

Unfortunately, they are pricey, and I've only heard Dr. Mahboubian and Dr. Sringari confirm that they offer them.

[KiloKAHN]

Agreed. They are sturdy, fully weight-bearing, and they allow for almost any kind of correction you could imagine. With the right doctor and TSF, there's no reason that your tibaie wouldn't be perfectly aligned after LL.

Unfortunately, they are pricey, and I've only heard Dr. Mahboubian and Dr. Sringari confirm that they offer them.

I've got some info coming from a few docs in India and USA that offer Taylor Spatial Frames. I'll post that info when I get it.

[secondclasscitizen]

@crimsontide

I think you went with the best option for tibia and one of the best docs. Looking forward to hearing about your journey!

[Taller]

I've got some info coming from a few docs in India and USA that offer Taylor Spatial Frames. I'll post that info when I get it.

Awesome. I'm looking forward to that post!

[crimsontide]

ty second

[alps]

I think Taylor spatial frame is used only with LON where you must insert a rod. Am I right?

Anyway, isn't Salamehfix the best way to go if you want just externals? It is the smallest frame afaik.

[PrettyTall]

If I were to go external I'd like to use Taylor Spatial Frames. They look very sturdy.

  Any pic ?