LENGTHENING SURGERY OVERVIEW

INITIAL CONSULTATION
The consultation starts with a specialized standing x-ray called an EOS scan. This is a low-radiation dose scan of your entire body from head to foot in a biplanar fashion (front and side at the same time). This scan may be performed the day before your consultation.
You will meet with our Stature Lengthening Coordinator, Angelique, and one of our Physician Assistants (PAs), Vera, John, or Allan. They will obtain your medical history and explain the lengthening process in detail.

SURGERY
You will have a preoperative visit with the surgery team to go over the consent form and all of the paperwork. You will also have an appointment with our preoperative nurse and anesthesiologist. You can discuss your anesthesia and postoperative pain management in advance of the surgery. You will be given instructions for surgery. You should not eat or drink after midnight before the surgery, and you should come in two hours before your scheduled surgery time, to the preoperative area in the Kimmel building on the campus of St. Mary’s Hospital, 901 45th St.

HOSPITALIZATION

LENGTHENING PHASE

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy (PT) is required daily (5 days per week) during the lengthening phase. The Paley Institute has a specialized physical therapy department on-site. All of the therapists have been specifically trained in the rehabilitation of lengthening patients and treat lengthening patients each and every day. This experience is crucial to ensuring a positive outcome, maximizing strength and flexibility, and preventing complications.
The Paley Institute is unique among other centers in offering an on-site therapy department specifically catered to the lengthening patient.

BONE HEALING PHASE
Once the desired length has been achieved, you will enter the bone healing (consolidation) phase and you can return home. There will be no changes to your activity level or restrictions until your bone has healed adequately. This usually takes 3 months.
Continuation of physical therapy is important for strengthening, improving range of motion, and improving gait.
Once you return home you will need to send monthly x-rays to the institute for evaluation. The best way to do this is to upload your x-rays.
