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Author Topic: How common are blood clots with tibia lengthening?  (Read 473 times)

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LG1816

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How common are blood clots with tibia lengthening?
« on: September 12, 2022, 12:06:48 PM »

I think thrombosis is probably my biggest fear regarding the surgery, as I understand fat embolism is very rare.

It’s difficult to assess the likelihood of this actually happening, and most concerning is that there’s apparently a risk even months down the line.

I’m also aware that any surgery to the lower extremity also carries this sort of risk. Is there anything inherently dangerous about limb lengthening in particular so far as thrombosis risk vs other surgeries like knee replacement?

How big of a risk would there be dying from a blood clot for someone fit, healthy, in their 20s who doesn’t smoke and is getting LON on tibias?

I suppose it’s the period after surgery that stresses me out the most — that I could get a blood clot while I’m removing, no one would know and then bam, dead.  :-\

Thanks!
« Last Edit: September 12, 2022, 03:23:57 PM by LG1816 »
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Michael J. Assayag, MD

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Re: How common are blood clots with tibia lengthening?
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2022, 02:35:35 AM »

very low risk with anticoagulant prophylaxis for at least 1 month
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Dr. Michael J Assayag MD FRCSC
Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Surgeon
http://www.heightrx.com https://www.limblength.org/conditions/short-stature
massayag@lifebridgehealth.org
IG @bonelengthening

Hagane

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Re: How common are blood clots with tibia lengthening?
« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2022, 12:10:21 PM »

today youre very quickly gonna learn about virchows triad




basically if we look at the diagram, there are 3 factors
endothelial injury/ vascular injury
stasis
and hypercoagulability

basically these factors will affect your ability form a blood clot or a "thrombus"

in the case of cosmetic LL lets have a quick look at some of the factors before i get bored of typing

endothelial/vascular injury
this is a big procedure and you could consider it as major trauma

stasis
essentially just means simply when the blood is not moving it is more likely to clot
the most likely cause in LL would be that your lying down and not moving
which is why it is so important to get up and start your physio asap ( within reason)
this will be mitigated by wearing compression socks and you will most likely be wearing something called SCDs (Sequential Compression Device) (pronounced like scuds)
 
finally hypercoagulability
as long as you dont have a family history of clots
this will be mitigated by your anticoagulation medications


typical presentations of would most likely start as a painful swollen leg which could be a deep vein thrombosis ( dvt) and then if that clot were to break it could work its way up to the lungs causing a PE ( pulmonary embolism)
if left untreated could be trouble, i say that because you will notice shortness of breath and chest pain. from the sounds of what you typed it sounds like you think you would die instantly
and usualy the treatment is like anticoagulation for 3 months ( depends on where you are/doc)
 
 



heres a youtube lecture as well



basically
just take your anitcoagulants
and move dont slack on your physio and youll be fine
recognize the symptoms and go to the hospital asap if you do

none of this is medical advise btw
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Bilateral tibia lengthening with Dr Gdalevitch 02/2023
starting height approx 167cm ( morning height)
gained  55.55mm
End height approx just shy of 5 foot 8 ( morning height)
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