General Information about Dr Lyall Ashberg, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Contact them for specific information and latest updates.
Note: please refer to our disclaimer about The Doctors Directory
http://www.limblengtheningforum.com/index.php?topic=55.0 1) What is the price and LL methods available for patients? Although I have experience with limb lengthening for limb length discrepancies and deformity, limb lengthening for stature is a relatively new thing for which patient's have recently sought help. This is a new thing for my practice. I have done no lengthenings for stature. I do have experience with lengthening congenital indications.
Prior to introduction of the new generation of lengthening nails, I have not felt this to be safe enough to be used electively. This has changed with the introduction of the Precise nail (Eclipse implants). We have calculated the cost, all inclusive to be around R600,000 to R650,000, which includes the implants (R130K each), hospital, theatre, anesthesia, surgeon and physiotherapy fees .
Currency Rates
600000 South African Rand equals 56303 US Dollar
650000 South African Rand equals 60995 US Dollar
2) Do you provide accommodation. caretaker and physiotherapy? You would need to see the physiotherapist daily to use the actuator which drives the lengthening process as well as to undertake physiotherapy to maintain joint range of motion.
3) What is the timeframe from operation to weightbearing to full recovery?Non-weightbearing is indicated during the entire lengthening period (avg. 1mm/day) and for about 4-6 weeks thereafter, during the consolidation phase. Therefore, you can expect 3-4 months at least partial weight bearing. Given that most patients opt to have both sides done simultaneously, this time is spent in a wheelchairs doing transfers. Partial weight bearing is allowed once there is some evidence of consolidation.
4) What is the maximum lengthening amount you would recommend for safety in tibia and femur? Maximum lengthening that I would consider safe at this stage, would be about 5cm to 6cm of each segment (femur or tibia). Thus 10cm is realistic to achieve safely (~4 inches) but only in a staged fashion. It is possible to continue lengthening if there are no complications, given that the current Precise nails distract up to 6.5cm (another 3cm or 1.2 inches). This can be decided upon as the process continues.
We are in the process of putting together a packet of care with all involved providers and some of the above may change, but this is the process in a nutshell.
Background (from Website)
Dr. Lyall Ashberg was born in Cape Town, South Africa and began his tertiary education in the United States in 1988. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Texas in Austin. He attended medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he graduated with top honors. Dr. Ashberg successfully completed orthopaedic residency training at the University of Florida in 2002. He then pursued an additional year of subspecialty, fellowship training in Paediatric Orthopaedics at Nemours Childrens’ Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Following a year as an associate professor in Paediatric Orthopaedics at Nemour’s Childrens Clinic, he had a very successful private practice in Melbourne Florida. In 2010, he returned to his home of Cape Town to continue his legacy of providing excellent Paediatric Orthopaedic care.
Education
Undergraduate
University of Texas at Austin
Austin Texas
BA, Psychology
1988-1992
Medical
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
MD, Physician
1993-1997
Residency
University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville
Jacksonville Florida
Orthopaedic Surgery
1997-2002
Fellowship
Nemours Children's Clinic
Jacksonville Florida
Pediatric Orthopaedics
2002-2003
Professional Registration
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Health Professions Council of South Africa, Orthopaedic Specialist
Board of Health Care Funders Practice number 0280000427039
Society Memberships
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America
Scoliosis Research Society
South African Orthopaedic Association
Contact InfoAshberg Specialty Orthopaedics Office Locations:
Netcare Blaauwberg Hospital
Waterville Crescent
Suite 2A-11
Sunningdale
7441
Sea Point Medical Centre (Atlantic Sea Board Patients)
1 Kloof Road
Suite 303
Sea Point
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
8005
Office Phone: (021) 554-2055
Office Fax: (021) 554-2065
E-mail: info@ashbergortho.co.za
Website:
http://www.ashbergortho.co.za/pediatric-orthopedic/Limb-Lengthening-Reconstruction/ISKD/Limb-Length-Discrepancy.aspx