Information and response from Dr Maurizio A. Catagni, of Mangioni Hospital, located in Lecco, Italy.
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BackgroundProfessor at the Milano University, Medical School
Former Chief of Orthopaedic department and the Ilizarov Unit "Alessandro Manzoni " Hospital - Lecco
Director of the Ilizarov Unit at Mangioni Hospital - Lecco
Cosmetic lengthening procedure: At the level of the leg, with 2 level of osteotomy, with Ilizarov ring fixator, for an amount of 5-8cm, depending from the patient
The time for treatment is:
70-90 days for lengthening with simultaneous Physiotherapy; walking with crutches.
4-5 months for bone consolidation walking with crutches but full loading .
Frame removal and brace or plaster for 2 months: free walking.
Total time of treatment in the frame: approximately 8-10 months
Ilizarov frame for leg lengthening: Two level osteotomy in the tibia and one level osteotomy in the fibula.
The rate of lengthening is ¼ mm 2 or 3 time a day every level (depending from the age and the biology of the patient); in total is 1 or 1.5 mm per day
Possible complications:
Achilles tendon lengthening (70% of the patients), after 3-5 cm of lengthening
Superficial wire infection treated with local or oral antibiotics
Delay of new bone formation (10% of the patients), with more time in the frame
Deformity treated with progressive frame modification (no surgery or painful manoeuvres)
Neurovascular damages: never happen in cosmetic
The patient need to be in the Hospital (S. Camillo Hospital, Milano) for 3 days and after he can go home with instructions or stay in Lecco for 3 months. Out patient clinic for X-Rays every 3-4 weeks during the first 3 months; later just send X-Rays. The frame is removed without anaesthesia (usually)
PricingCost of the operation, including Hospital, frame, anaesthesia, Surgeons etc: 20.000 € (Euros)
For achille tendon lengthening 5000€ (Euros) extra fee
I prefer external fixation. It will possible with internal nail (Precise nail) but the cost is 20000 euros more
In Lecco it is possible to rent a flat at the cost of 1000 € per months where the patient have to stay (3-4 months) with a person helping him in the day life (such person have to be or a relative or friend of the patient). For local nurse the fee is about 800€ a month Is available, some time, a 3 room apartment at a cost of 1000 € per month.
Most common questions Q: How long would it take before I am able to participate in day-to-day activities, like walking, doing office work, etc. (no sport)?
A: After few days you can walk with crutches without the possibility to drive a car and just for moving inside the house; of course, if you work sitting, you can do it. For a comfortable walking you have to wait 4 months from the operation
Q: How long would I have to stay in your hospital?
A: You have to stay in the hospital for 3-4 days
Q: How much does the operation approx. cost (incl. hospital stay, necessary checks, therapies, etc.)?
A: The fee for the hospital and operation is 20.000 € the cost of the therapy is about 800 US$ per month (3 months in Lecco); after you can go back home and send me X-rays via Internet Until the frame removal (you can do it in your Country) It is possible to rent a flat in Lecco for about 1000 € per month but you need somebody living with you during such period to help in the daily living; For achille tendon lengthening 5000 € extra fee
Q: Are the incisions of the pins or cuts visible later on and can they be removed, e.g. by laser (and do you know who is offering it at what cost)?
A: The scares are minimal and few of my patient ask for such operation
Q: As a patient, I have to trust your opinion and expertise. While some doctors are against leg-lengthening for cosmetic reasons, I personally believe this is up to the patient and the performing doctor to decide if the procedure is safe and secure enough to be recommended for cosmetic reasons.
A: I don’t suggest to do the tibial lengthening if you are normal except if you have serious
psychological problems
Q: I feel very short and I believe I could enhance the quality of life by pursuing a leg-lengthening operation. However, I also believe I will be able to survive without doing it. You have done many operations and you know how patients feel afterwards. Reflecting on your experience, would you recommend this operation for cosmetic reasons?
A: Following my experience all the patients, after lengthening are happy because they forget quickly the difficulties suffered during the treatment
Contact Info:Maurizio A. Catagni, M.D.
Office: Lecco – 42/H, Via C. Cattaneo, 23900
Tel. +39-0341-364662
Rome - 567 viale dei Colli Portuensi
Tel. +39-06-6570951
Fax: +39-0341-630630
E-mail: maurizio@catagni.it
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Topic: Dr Maurizio Catagni (Lecco, Italy) Mangioni Hospital (Read 30231 times)