SERVICES
LOWER LIMB RECONSTRUCTION
What is lower limb reconstruction?
Reconstructing the lower limb's bones, joints, and soft tissues during surgery is known as lower limb reconstruction, which is done to fix or enhance the functionality of the leg. Lower limb reconstruction aims to reduce discomfort, regain mobility, and enhance the leg's overall appearance and functionality.
When is lower limb reconstruction necessary?
When a person's ability to walk, run, or carry out other daily activities is being hampered by a problem with the lower limb's bones, joints, or soft tissues, lower limb reconstruction may be required. It is typically carried out after conservative measures like physical therapy, medicine, or bracing fail to reduce discomfort or improve function. Lower limb restoration may be required for those with disorders such as congenital anomalies, traumatic injuries, infections, tumours, and degenerative joint illnesses. A complete evaluation by Dr Oosthuysen is required to establish whether reconstruction is necessary and what specific surgeries will be performed.
Other conditions treated by lower limb reconstruction include:
- Leg deformity correction - A surgical treatment known as leg deformity correction is used to treat lower limb anomalies like bowlegs, knock-knees, and other problems resulting in an incorrect leg shape or leg alignment.
- Leg lengthening for leg length discrepancies - A surgical treatment called leg lengthening is used to treat leg length discrepancies, which happen when one leg is shorter than the other. Leg length discrepancies can result in discomfort, trouble walking, and other mobility issues. Leg lengthening aims to eliminate these symptoms by resolving the discrepancy in leg length.
What does the lower limb reconstruction procedure entail?
The lower limb reconstruction process comprises surgically adjusting or enhancing the lower limb's soft tissues, joints, and bones. The patient's condition, the degree of the injury, and the desired result will all affect the specific techniques performed throughout the surgery.
Some standard techniques used by Dr Oosthuysen in lower limb reconstruction include:
- Debridement- Debridement is a surgical process that involves removing diseased, infected, or damaged tissue from a surgical site or incision. By removing any tissue harbouring bacteria or other pathogens, debridement aims to improve healing and stop the spread of illness.
- External fixation for open fractures - A surgical procedure known as external fixation is used to stabilise open fractures. While allowing the incision to heal, external fixation stabilises the bones and stops additional bone displacement. The bone above and below the fracture location is fixed externally using metal pins or screws. Following that, these pins are attached to a metal frame that is positioned outside the skin. The frame serves as a bridge to keep the bones in place as they mend.
- Implants - A lower limb implant is a device that replaces or supports bones, joints, or structures in the lower extremities, including the hip, knee, ankle, and foot. In order to restore or enhance the function of the damaged limb, these devices are often constructed from biocompatible materials, such as metals, plastics, or ceramics.
- Joint replacement - Lower limb joint replacement is a surgical process in which an artificial joint, or prosthesis, is used to replace a worn-out or injured joint in the lower extremities. Pain relief, increased mobility, and the restoration of the damaged limb's function are the usual goals of this operation.
- Osteotomy- An osteotomy is a surgical technique in which a bone is cut, realigned, and repaired to cure a deformity or relieve strain on a joint. Any bone in the body can undergo osteotomy, although the lower extremities' hips, knees, ankles, and feet are the most frequently affected.
- Soft tissue reconstruction - A surgical treatment known as lower limbsoft tissue reconstruction involves repairing or reconstructing the soft tissues of the lower limbs to treat an injury or deformity. Soft tissues refer to connective tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Usually, congenital malformations, muscle injuries, or tears in ligaments or tendons are treated by this kind of surgery. Restoring the stability and normal function of the injured limb is the aim of lower limbsoft tissue repair.
Lower limb reconstruction recovery
To help the afflicted limb regain its function during the healing phase, the individual might need to adhere to a rehabilitation and physical therapy regimen. Exercises to increase flexibility, range of motion, and strength may be a part of this programme. During the healing process, the patient may walk with crutches or other assistive aids. The patient may also be required to attend follow-up sessions with Dr Oosthuysen to keep track of the healing process and ensure the reconstruction is going as planned. Additional surgical procedures can be required in specific circumstances to perfect the reconstruction further.