Limb Lengthening Specialist: Hosalkar

Humans come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, but ultimately, everyone seeks the comforts of being symmetrical. When one limb is shorter than the other, it can cause children psychological pain; if the limb is the leg and a person has adapted their stride to compensate, it can also cause physical pain.

Dr. Hosalkar is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in limb lengthening. While it is a slow process, the bone will eventually elongate. However, it is up to the doctor to determine the best course of treatment for the patient. A qualified and experienced doctor like Hosalkar must examine why there is limb length discrepancy, how old the patient is, the potential for continued growth, and the extent of injuries to the bone.

Doctors like Hosalkar always address surgery risks with patients, but surgery may be the only way to treat limb length discrepancies of over three centimeters. When a doctor approves the surgery, a fixator is used to pull the bone apart a little at a time. Where the bone is separated, new bone grows in the gap. However, it is important to use a qualified specialist because any damage to surrounding tissue or disruption in blood flow can have devastating consequences.

After limb lengthening, it is important that patients spend time rehabilitating. Rehabilitation ensures the surrounding muscle stays healthy and surrounding soft tissue remains flexible.

Because the process is so slow, patients may be eager to see it completed, but Hosalkar reminds patients that it is important to ensure the regenerated bone is capable of independent weight-bearing.