Recently, I have been perusing articles concerning significant limb lengthening for individuals predominantly diagnosed with Achondroplasia and Hypochondroplasia. I have been contemplating sharing some reflections I have had.
As per data from 2021, the typical lengthening reached 27 cm for achondroplasia (12-40 cm) and 17 cm for hypochondroplasia (ranging from 10-25 cm). It exhibited an average increase of 26 cm (ranging from 15-30 cm) for adolescent-onset. There were minimal short-term complications observed.
Since I haven’t encountered the practice yet, I am sincerely curious about what hinders individuals without such conditions from attaining these objectives with some effort, even in their adulthood, disregarding proportions and low motivation, and focusing solely on bone healing and soft tissue adaptation, as indicated by numerous analogous studies. These outcomes appear to defy the established safe standards set by many surgeons (8cm, 6.5 cm for femurs and tibias, respectively). Some argue that the muscle structure of these specific patients is distinct and can adapt relatively quickly to change, though I believe this lacks substantial evidence (any provided would be welcomed). Furthermore, this specific study raises uncertainties about the notion that ‘the longer your bones, the more you can achieve.’ In my contentious viewpoint, the key factor enabling such progress was the resolute determination of the patients, as they all surpassed their limits significantly to approach average height as closely as possible.
What aspect am I overlooking?
