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[limby101]

How much time until external frame removal?
I know of the general rule of 1 month for every 1 cm of lengthening. But, is the time of lengthening phase included in the overall time?
I mean, if I'm 2 months post surgery (tibia external fixator), and did 3 cm, I should be able to remove it in 1 month? Or do I need to count 3 months from now (end of lengthening phase).
What do you think?
The surgeon said in the last checkup "3 months more" but that sounds like hell to me, and seriously considering removing it and putting a nail instead.

[Body Builder]

The general rule is 40-45 days for every cm from surgery till frame removal.
And for me this was completely true.

[Maison]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7342054/

According to this paper, the External fixation index [time (days/months) spent in external fixator for every centimetre gained] for the classic Ilizarov method is around 30 to 60 days.
Thus, if you had a 3 cm leg lengthening, statistically speaking, you would likely be able to remove the external fixation 90 to 180 days postoperatively.
Consolidation speed varies widely from patient to patient, so if your doctor says it will take another 3 months, that seems reasonable.
If you cannot tolerate that time, then the only option is LATN.

[limby101]

The general rule is 40-45 days for every cm from surgery till frame removal.
And for me this was completely true.

Thanks,
Did you have a straight forward lengthening phase?
I mean, mine wasn't because I had several days of not lengthening. Basically a lengthening (of 3cm) which should have taken 1 month, took me 2 months. So I wonder if this prolongs the time for consolidation. I know consolidation takes place simultaneously with distraction, but perhaps the consolidation is faster once you leave the callus alone....