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[wenmom]

I had an Illizarov on from 1992 - 1994 for tib/fib compound fracture.  I am now having severe osteoarthritis in my feet, ankle, knee and hip where the lengthening process was.  the hip pain is the worse but I am thinking maybe I didn't lengthen long enough.  Are there any studies for patients after  25 years or so for the process and the outcomes?

[youyin12]

Sorry to hear that. But how do you know that osteoarthritis is caused by limb lengthening? The causes of osteoarthritis are complex, and according to some famous doctors, a successful limb lengthening surgery will not significantly increase the risk of developing arthritis.

[Siegfried]

how much did you lengthen? its not 100% clear what and why you had an external frame.

[wenmom]

I had a tib/fib compound fracture.  Long story but first surgeon left the hole open and the bone died.  Went to Orhto/Indy for a second opinion.  Ended up with Illizarov, Dr. Baele performed the surgery.  He removed the dead bone shortened the leg slapped on the Illizarov and I had to lengten the leg 2 inches. 
WOW I don't know if my arthritis is caused by my Accident, surgeries etc.  Since the only parts of my body is my right leg, my right foot, my right knee and my right hip. It was just a question.  I would think after 19 surgeries on my leg just might be a reason I get arthritis.  I wasn't really asking about the cause but wondered if maybe the I didn't lengthen enough and the difference in my leg lengths could be causing the hip pain.  I also had three surgeries prior to seeing Dr. Baele, where a rod was hammered into my knee down the leg to try to connect the bones.

There is disagreement as to what constitutes a clinically significant difference, but some studies suggest that leg length discrepancy (LLD) can lead to osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee. - January 20, 2021 • By Abdollah Shams-Pirzadeh, MD, PA, FACR

[youyin12]

Are you saying that you still have LLD after undergoing many surgeries? In my opinion, if you have LLD, it undoubtedly increases the risk of arthritis due to the imbalance in your body. Many doctors and evidence have also proven this.

[Thekollecter]

What LLD