CTVNEWS

Dr. G: Bones can be lengthened alot in cases of bone loss but for cosmetic purposes 8cm is the max in the legs from a safety perspective in otherwise healthy people. In patients with certain types of dwarfism they can be lengthened more over their lifetime but not at one time

Dr G: This falls under deformity correction (in which we often use limb lengthening) and this can usually be fixed by recreating correct length between the two bones and covered by insurance or provincial health care.

Dr G: 18 inches of height is not possible in one lengthening

when patients go for a max height safely we go to 5 inches in legs

for patients who have an underlying diagnosis of dwarfism, we can lengthen them 3 x during their lives to gain 40cm in their legs and 10cm in their arms, but their body can accommodate that better than patients who dont have that diagnosis

Dr G: proportions are important too, so there is a limit to how much you can lengthen without looking strange or affecting function. But if we are being technical, the bone can be lengthened past 8cm but not safely

Dr G: I dont often refuse unless I dont think the surgery can help the patient, if for example patient has unrealistic goals or expectations. Patients who are depressed or suicidal are not great candidates until they are stable.