Quote from: PatientZero on February 12, 2016, 10:38:59 PMThere's no argument that externals are better than internals for complications and deformities. In my opinion, that's where it ends.
Something members here don't talk about is the psychological downsides to having externals. You have to wear that hunk of metal for a long time, often holing yourself in for an entire year, and having carry significantly more scars. Dunno bout you, but it takes a different breed of person to do externals and come out ok--I am not one of them. I've noticed many of the external patients having to start a 'new life', whereas many of the internal guys are significantly more positive.
Internals have increased comfort, better recovery when done right, and it allows you to feel normal. The feeling normal part is sooo important. At month 2, I was comfortable with the general public seeing me hobble around on a walker/crutches. The other day I was able to do some fine dining with my doc and another patient without having to feel like people are staring or judging. For me that feeling is priceless.
For these reasons, I can only recommend internals for LL. It's worth saving for, even if you have to do it in your 30s. Now one can have internals done for ~50k to Western standards. Anyone can do this... save 1k each month for 4 years. For determined post-grads, you can do this surgery at 26 or 27.
Cheers
How do you know they have better recovery if you still haven't recovered yet (I believe you are still lengthening/consolidating?) ? Yes... It's a psychological burden to have those frames on for a year... But if you dont go crazy with the amount lengthened, I dont see why it should be a problem... It depends on the doc you go to. As I said in an earlier post, I dont mind the difficulty of the lengthening itself.. All I care is the result... And frankly? I haven't seen even a single good result with internals (femurs or tibial for that matter)
