Limb shortening surgery is a surgical intervention performed to shorten the height of individuals upon their request. This surgery, which is generally preferred for aesthetic concerns, is sometimes performed due to medical requirements.
Post-operative limb shortening surgery recovery process may vary from individual to individual. However, in general, pain and swelling may be experienced in the first few days. This healing process is among the questions that patients are most curious about. In this article, we have compiled detailed information for you about the recovery process after limb reduction surgery.
What Kind of Process Awaits Patients After Limb Shortening Surgery?
First of all, we should point out that limb shortening surgery is considered among the long and difficult types of surgery in terms of process, and it is very important to ensure regular check-ups and examinations of patients in the post-operative period.
For our patients coming from abroad to have this surgery, the first thing we recommend is that they stay in Turkey for 2-3 months during the post-operative recovery process and benefit from regular physical therapy and other health services at the accommodation provided by our company. During the first 4-6 weeks after the surgery, our patients receive support from a walker and a wheelchair; the main point here is to ensure the patient goes through a healthy process by preventing potential risks. Under the supervision of a doctor, patients who continue this process can gradually start using crutches. From the 6th week, a leg X-ray is done. Based on the results, the doctor might advise using just one crutch.
The Importance of Physiotherapy After Surgery
When discussing the recovery process of limb reduction surgery, physical therapy should absolutely not be neglected! The primary reason for this is that the surgery directly affects the muscles around the femur and tibia and leads to changes in muscle lengths. Right at this point, physical therapy comes into play to balance these changes and ensure the recovery process continues positively.
Our physiotherapists, who work closely with our patients, assist with exercises and teach all the necessary stretching, muscle, and joint movements to the patients. The most crucial expectation from patients at this juncture is to perform these exercises without skipping them. Otherwise, patients can encounter health problems like joint and muscle contractures, or muscle imbalances.
When Patients Walk Unsupported After Surgery?
The time it takes for patients to start walking unsupported after limb reduction surgery can vary depending on the patient's overall health condition, the extent of the surgery, and their adherence to physical therapy. However, in general, patients are expected to begin walking without assistance within 3-4 months after the height reduction surgery. This timeframe can shorten or lengthen based on the complexity of the surgery, the speed of the recovery process, and the effectiveness of physical therapy. Therefore, the most accurate information regarding the time to start walking unsupported can be provided by the orthopedic specialist or physiotherapist overseeing the treatment.
When Patients Do Sports After Surgery?
When it comes to doing sports after surgery, we recommend that you should be careful at this point. Patients often think that they can start doing sports immediately after they start walking without support, but they may forget that the bone needs to heal completely. Therefore, doing sports or excessive activities can be dangerous for your health condition.
At this point, your doctor who follows your post-operative recovery process will give you the most accurate information.
As we mentioned before, height reduction surgery is a type of surgery that requires a serious treatment process, so it is very important that it is performed by an experienced doctor and the patient must fulfill all the things that need to be done after the surgery. Especially in the first 2-3 months, the patient's close examinations by going to the doctor is one of the factors that will make the process much easier.
Is Limb Shortening Process Painful?
Since lengthening surgery is a serious surgical intervention, postoperative pain is quite normal. However, at this point, the severity and duration of the pain vary depending on the complexity of the surgery, the techniques used, the general health status of the patient and the pain threshold. Therefore, it is not possible for us to answer with certainty how many days your pain will last or how severe it will be.
The first few days after surgery may be the most intense period of your pain, but your pain will decrease over time and with appropriate treatment. At the same time, you can keep your pain under control when you use the painkillers given by your doctor in the right way during this process. If you have any concerns or questions about your pain condition, it is important to share them with your doctor.
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