Dr. Assayag – 3/22 Limb Lengthening/Femur Bowleg – 11/22 Tibia Lengthening

Did you have bowlegged tibias on both right and left?
Was it not possible to correct and lengthen the tibias simultaneously? Or was it simpler to perform this procedure first since you already had surgery on the femurs?

Interesting. Have you gained more confidence now?

There were several options each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Quadrilateral
The main goal was to achieve maximum limb lengthening. The most effective way to do this was through two separate surgeries. The reputation of quadrilateral limb lengthening being challenging and the high number of unsuccessful cases discouraged me from seriously considering this approach. I aimed to gain a height increase of six inches if feasible.

Sequential Femur and Later Tibia Lengthening
Considered the most ideal method as it allows for the safest way to achieve maximum length. This staged approach also offers a straightforward exit strategy in case I am satisfied with my height after the initial surgery. Starting with tibia lengthening would likely result in a lesser height gain. Additionally, a negative experience during tibia lengthening may deter me from undergoing a second procedure. Solely focusing on tibia lengthening also heightens the risk of potential knee or joint complications in the future.

Simultaneous Bowleg Correction and Tibia Lengthening
Although feasible to perform concurrently, combining these procedures complicates the process and may lead to unpredictable outcomes. It is deemed more favorable to separate them for better control of results.

Initial Femur Lengthening and Bowleg Correction – Subsequently Tibia Lengthening
This was the chosen option as it met my objectives of maximizing height gain through a single lengthening procedure. It also facilitated the correction of bowleg and knee alignment issues simultaneously. Otherwise, I would have to wait 6-12 months before addressing these concerns separately. Given a potential unfavorable experience during the initial surgery, I was reluctant to undergo another procedure. Moreover, a beneficial aspect of this strategy was that insurance coverage could apply to the medically necessary portion of the surgery.

How much calcium/vitamin D have you taken during the limb lengthening process? Did your intake change when you began the consolidation phase? I am currently in the consolidation stage for an 8cm Precice femur lengthening, but the consolidation is taking more time than anticipated. I am planning to undergo tibias lengthening to reach 6′, but I hope to avoid it becoming a year-long process.

Hmm, uncertain how to respond. I didn’t face confidence issues previously. I was exceptionally short for an American male, making it challenging for people to take me seriously. However, I achieved significant professional and personal success. Instead of focusing on my height, I dedicated my time and effort to improving what I could control.

Having learned about the procedure from an IG meme in October 2021, I spent around a month researching before travelling to meet Dr. Assayag and arranging surgery. I believe that the height increase will provide me with more opportunities in my professional and social life. The harsh reality is that being short can make some doors harder to open. It doesn’t make it impossible, just more challenging. The increase in height evens the playing field.

I can provide a more comprehensive update on life after the surgery when I am 6-9 months post the next procedure. I anticipate I will have a better understanding next summer.

I might not be completely accurate on the figures as I am recalling this from memory, but I maintained the same dosage I had been taking during the entire limb lengthening process. I believe it consisted of 500mg of calcium taken three times a day, in addition to vitamin D. Please pardon any errors in the dosage, Dr. Assayag, if you come across this. The factors that I believe aided in my bone consolidation included the following: – Towards the end, I decreased to 0.50 speed and had to accordion one leg, potentially resulting in more bone formation in that area. – While in Baltimore, I used the alter G machine at least twice a week. Upon returning home, I discovered a facility where I could purchase alter G sessions and attended 4-5 times a week, gradually increasing the body weight percentage each time by 1-3%. Stress can stimulate bone growth, so I think this regimen was beneficial. – I made use of a walker and stood frequently, incorporating stretches and moving around as much as possible. I observed that I was more active than others during the procedure. If I had bent a nail due to premature weight-bearing, my situation could have been different, but fortunately, that did not happen. – I bought an ultrasound bone growth stimulation device. Although Dr. Assayag does not often recommend them, he provided me with a prescription to acquire one, which I utilized extensively during the consolidation period.

Can you provide information on the pricing for the procedure? Thank you.

The initial procedure received partial insurance coverage. The subsequent procedure amounts to approximately $55k, excluding post-procedure physical therapy costs.

Thank you for recounting your experience!

Can I inquire if you reside in close proximity to Sinai during the initial few months, e.g months 1-3? If not, would it be acceptable to undergo physical therapy at a clinic in your local area?

My primary worries revolve around efficiently managing time during the recuperation phases due to my extensive work hours each day (WFH). I am uncertain whether addressing the pain and engaging in physical therapy would consume a significant portion of my daily schedule.

I would be grateful for any insights you can provide!

What differences should be considered when preparing for tibia lengthening compared to femur lengthening?
I’m currently undergoing femur lengthening treatment in Athens. I am contemplating undergoing the tibia precise 2.2 procedure in Athens roughly one year from now, and I am planning my packing list accordingly.

Additionally, I am considering nail removal treatment with Dr. Assayag in the future and am in the process of organizing the logistics. It is possible that I may have accommodation at a location a few hours’ drive away from his practice in Maryland.