Answering "yes" to the following
questions would indicate that you are a potential candidate for the ISKD.
Although the ISKD can benefit many individuals in need of limb lengthening,
it is important to recognize that the ISKD is not appropriate for all
patients. As with any medical procedure, you should consult with your
physician to obtain accurate information specific to your condition.
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Are you skeletally mature? The ISKD is
only suitable for patients whose growth plates have fused. |
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Are you able and willing to closely follow
the instructions of your surgeon to prepare for the surgery and for post-operative
care? You may need to commit to a regimen of stretching exercises before
surgery. Post-operatively, it will be critical to devote time and attention
to lengthening exercises and monitoring on a regular basis. In addition,
ISKD patients need to use crutches until their doctor advises otherwise. |
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Are you committed to attending regularly
scheduled post-operative appointments with your surgeon? |
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Other than your limb length condition,
do you have healthy bone quality? Patients with non-unions, obliterated
or irregular intramedullary canals, malignancy or tumor of the affected
bone, poor bone quality or metabolic bone disorders, or active infections
are not good candidates for the ISKD. |
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Are you in good general health? Patients
with unresolved poly-trauma, massive obesity, peripheral vascular disease,
or cardiac pacemakers may not be appropriate candidates. Smoking, chronic
steroids and anti-inflammatory drugs may have a detrimental effect on
the quality of new bone development. |
