Jeraldo from Brazil has chosen LON method for bilateral tibial lengthening. He has been researching various surgery methods, doctors, and countries where this surgery is done, for a long period of time. Turkey was the optimal choice for him due to price – quality relationship.
Aimed height increase was around 6-8 cm. He had bought his return tickets beforehand, as it was planned that he will return home after 5 days of hospitalization, which he did.
10 Dec 2019: Patient arrived in Istanbul, Turkey. He was met at the airport, and taken to his hotel room (all included in surgery price)
11 Dec 2019: Istanbul city tour (included). We are aware that most patients are quite nervous and excited before a serious surgery such as limb lengthening. Visiting a completely new country for the first time can be confusing and it may increase the anxiety. Seeing beautiful sights of Istanbul city, trying local delicacies was a great idea, as it helped us to learn more about the patient, become more familiar with his preferences, concerns and needs, have a good time together, and most important, it set the Jeraldo at ease before proceeding to actual surgery.
After city tour, patient was taken to hospital for medical controls and tests, and meeting the surgeon of course.
Test results were all ok and it meant the patient is eligible for surgery. According to what was reported by patient, he has had no serious diseases previously, which may cause problems to limb lengthening procedure.
12 Dec 2019: Surgery day. General anesthesia was applied. Ortovia monolateral rod-like devices were used as external devices, in combination with internal nailing. This device is usually preferred because it is sturdy enough not to bend under patient weight, and also it has a scale on it which allows to visualize the amount of distraction.
Trying to walk with a walker after surgery:
This is the x-ray taken right after surgery (no lengthening has been done yet as you can see):
Here are links to these two images in case somebody cannot view them:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/5RvUXaJTB7A58r2Q6
https://photos.app.goo.gl/2XyXbQPriJXPho9G9
Following days: Patient had lots of pain according to what he reported. Usually most patients begin walking right on the next day. Patients take a few steps with the help of a walker and with assistance from a nurse or doctor assistant. But Jeraldo began walking on the third or fourth day with difficulty.
17 Dec 2019: All instructions regarding bandage change, cleaning pin sites, and operating the device for distraction were given. Patient began lengthening after 5 days from surgery, which is quite typical. Distraction is done at the rate of 1 mm/day which is also what most patients do.
Patient was taken to airport upon departure, and got back to Brazil successfully. He is continuing distraction. Jeraldo is absolutely careful with cleaning the bandages regularly. Which is one of the main things to do in order to prevent infection.
Main complaints are: swelling in the legs (this happens to nearly all patients after limb lengthening surgery). This can be reduced by staying hydrated + putting a pillow under feet when sitting. Massaging and exercises also help reduce swelling of legs. The other complaint is pain of course. It was recommended to walk as much as possible, and do the exercises to increase leg movement. It reduces pain over time and it becomes easier and easier to walk.
Note: The diary is totally based on real medical data and comments from the patient. There will be more x-rays and images and updates, as long as patient gives permission. With respect to his privacy, we are covering his face and have changed his name. We are grateful that he has allowed us his images and info on the net, which is quite rare. Most patients simply don’t give authorization for this. But in fact sharing any info about limb lengthening experience is really helpful for patient candidates who seriously think about getting this surgery done. Comments and questions are welcome.
Diary: Jeraldo from Brazil - LON limb lengthening in Turkey
UPDATE:
24 Dec 2019:
Doing distraction. Pin sites are regularly cleaned and bandages changed. Looking pretty good and clean.
26 Dec 2019:
Distraction and of course exercises to increase leg flexibility.
Still having pain, but it has become less.
Dr. Yuksel performed the surgery. This surgeon is relatively unknown in the community but here you can find info about him.
LON price is 17000 eur, including medical examinations, hospital stay and 7/24 caretaker, physiotherapist assistance, transportation and accommodation.
Quote from: choube22 on January 17, 2020, 12:12:51 PMThis diary is 100% unbiased and genuine. Patient's true opinions and results are described with 0 distort. There is 0 business interest.
Thank you very much for kind words, much appreciated 
a diary should be a diary, nothing less, nothing more 
Quote from: Beforeandafter on January 17, 2020, 01:14:33 PMHi Jeraldo congratulations.
Stay strong. But this frame looks very unstable for me.
Thank you. Monolateral fixators get too much criticism, but in fact they have significant advantages over circular Ilizarov frames. First, they are less bulky and cause less problem when moving or sleeping. It is possible to wear most types of trousers over them. Secondly, the pins are thick enough to stabilize the bone in place, thicker than Ilizarov pins which are prone to bending.
Also, this particular device allows you to see how much progress with distraction you have had so far, which can be stimulating.
Yes, this one is the first diary written on behalf of the patient and we wish to see more and more limb lengthening diaries based on real facts and experiences. No doubt that the genuineness of the provided info is more important than who has written the diary, a patient, a doctor or a third person. For this reason, we do and will continue to do our best to prove the authenticity by providing as many images, x-rays and videos as possible, when we share the experience of our patients.
Those who want to obtain more detailed info about the patients we represent and to see hospital reports etc documents, are always welcome to pay us a visit, we will be happy to have them here. Our purpose is to share our experiences, shed light into what lessons can be deducted and help people make more careful steps on their journey to limb lengthening, which is something more than making a promotion.
With our diaries in the future, we hope to support and extra knowledge to limb lengthening patients in Turkey or in any other country and help them take correct steps in decision making and post-surgery period.
UPDATE:
05 Jan 2020: Distraction (lengthening) going on. Still painful and knees have limited movement. This limited range of knee motion causes problems for walking.
A recommendation for knees that cannot fully extend: In sitting position with legs positioned straight, put weights on top of both knees and sit like that for some time.
This scale approximately visualises the lengthened amount so far (it shows a little more than actual amount of lengthening, but still helps to track the progress):
Here are the x-rays:
Quote from: Zion on January 21, 2020, 10:20:00 PMHospital stay? for how long? all the distraction period? please specify this, thank you.
The surgery costs include these services:
- meeting patients at the airport and transportation to hotel/hospital
- accommodation in a hotel (1 day)
- an English-speaking caretaker who will be around 7/24 during hospital stay
- Istanbul tour
- Medical examinations before operation
- 5 days of staying in the hospital
- Walker+crutches+wheelchair
- Transportation to airport when leaving
- Consultation with doctors and consultants whenever needed throughout the procedure
- Device removal costs 750 eur and is NOT included in surgery cost.
The majority of patients leave for home after 5 days of hospital stay. They continue their distraction procedure and post-surgery recovery at home, according to doctor's instructions.
For patients who plan to stay for extended period in Istanbul (some of the patients prefer staying for at least 2-3 months more, till the end of lengthening procedure), there are service packages that include most of the essentials.
Package #1
Accommodation at a 3-star hotel + 3 meals a day: 1250 euro
Physiotherapy(monthly, 1 session per week): 120 euro
X-rays: 150 euro
Medications: 80 euro
Total monthly cost: 1600 euro/month
Package #2
Accommodation at a 4-5-star hotel + 3 meals a day: 1950 euro
Physiotherapy (1 session every two days): 450 euro for a month
Xrays: 150 euro
Medications: 200 euro
Total: 2750 euro/month
(These packages are made by getting lower than regular prices from partner hotels and facilities, and any service can be added or removed based on patient's preferences and needs. For example, some patients prefer staying at a friend or a flat in Istanbul city and changes are made accordingly)
Regarding physiotherapy: It is strongly recommended to get at least 1 session per week, but it is favorable to get 2-3 sessions per week. Taking into account the significance of physio in post-surgery period, it has been included in both packages.
Hello Meck, there are several hotels, some are close to the city center, others are not, but mainly they are close to the hospital, which is more important.
The costs are monthly, as it is indicated, not for 3 days.
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