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Limb lengthening and reconstruction

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Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal

Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years)

Arm;Legs

Bones

Conditions and diseases

Caregivers Adult (19+)

2018-01-19T05:00:00Z

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<p>The purpose of limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery is to treat limb length discrepancy, limb deformity and fractures. Learn about the different limb lengthening and reconstruction treatment options.<br></p>

<div class="asset-video"> <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j4-YG1rKubw?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe> <br></div><p>The purpose of limb lengthening and reconstruction surgery is to treat limb length discrepancy, limb deformity and fractures. Learn about the different limb lengthening and reconstruction treatment options.<br></p>

<div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">About limb lengthening and reconstruction</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Limb lengthening and reconstruction can seem very daunting at first. Learn how this treatment can help your child and about different types of surgery that may be considered.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2537&language=English">Goal of surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2538&language=English">Types of surgery</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">The patient journey</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Surgery is often the first major step in your child's limb lengthening or reconstruction treatment. Find out about the healthcare team who will help your child through their patient journey and what you can expect before, during and after surgery.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2539&language=English">Your child’s patient journey</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2546&language=English">Your child’s healthcare team</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2423&language=English">Coming for surgery at SickKids</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2540&language=English">Your child’s hospital stay after surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2541&language=English">Possible complications after surgery</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2542&language=English">Pin and wire site care</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3833&language=English">Exercises to manage edema and improve range of motion with a femoral frame</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3832&language=English">Exercises to manage edema and improve range of motion with a tibial frame</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Typical hardware (fixators or devices)</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Your child may be fitted with an internal or external device to lengthen or correct their limb. Discover the main types of hardware and how to adjust them.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2543&language=English">Taylor Spatial Frame</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2544&language=English">Monolateral rail</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2545&language=English">Motorized intramedullary nail</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Coping with limb lengthening and reconstruction</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Once your child goes home after surgery, they will need to adjust to life with a device. Find out how to handle everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing and going to school, and cope with any social, emotional and financial aspects of treatment.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2547&language=English">Living with a fixator</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2548&language=English">Managing the impact of limb reconstruction on your family</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Additional Information</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find out what to look for when getting crutches for your child, how to use crutches, and the different parts of the skeleton and how they work.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=1048&language=English">Crutches: How to use</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/body/interactive?module=skeleton-child">How the skeleton works</a></li></ol></div>

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<span class="recognition-text">Production and maintenance of these articles were made possible in part by an educational grant provided by <a href="/Sponsors#spinlimbs">Spin for Limbs</a>. SickKids is grateful for the generous support of our corporate partners but does not endorse specific products or services, nor receive any editorial direction from its sponsors.</span>