Out of touch, his internals are still in the same range of price, but if you read carefully will realize that the package doesnt include pshysio, accomodation and everyday food, that is the reason because the price was quoted as 52k USD.
^
Ah, I forgot that his old package had physio included along with accommodation.
Just want to chime in. I had a clinic consult with Dr Franz about 3 years ago in SA. Here are my impressions:
Reply| DeleteJunk|
Re: COST OF BILATERAL FEMUR LENGHTHENING SURGERY?
FB
Franz Birkholtz <[email protected]>
Reply|
Yesterday, 05:54
Some additional info I receive from Dr Birkholz. I think he would be a good choice, just a shame that he has taken out accommodation and PT from quote. I think he is trying to give his patients more flexibility, better hotel and more PT if you can afford it.
Thank you for quote. May I ask some additional questions.
1.Can I have an approximate price for all other aspects not covered in quote. Accommodation, further x-rays, physical therapy. Basically anything else that you can
* Accommodation ranges widely depending on level but starts at around 800$ a month. Xrays are included for three months. As in the document physio after hospital is around $55 per hour. Recommended three times a week.
think of based on your experience of patients completing this process.
2. Do you test the functionality of the nail during initial surgery?
*yes and we replace a nonfunctional nail straightaway at no extra cost.
3. What would be my position if nail failed. Would I be responsible for the cost of a further surgery to replace the nail and the cost of the nail?
*if a nail breaks (highly unlikely) replacement with a trauma nail will be done. Cost will be shared. Hospital and nail costs for patients account. Around 8000$
4. What are the scars like with this surgery?
*2cm incision where nail is inserted on side of hip. 4 stab incisions for locking screws. 2cm incicision lateral above knee for ITB release.
5. Do you advise weight bearing during lengthening or would i be in a wheelchair for all of that time?
*check document. Upon discharge you will aready be weight bearing on a walking frame. Double leg stance.
Hi everyone,
Since I am being swamped by emails, I thought it may be a good idea to open this thread again for questions and answers. In this way I can answer once for everyone's benefit. Please keep it civil and to the point.
Ground rules: no trolling, no badmouthing of eachother or other doctors. My intention here is to provide information. For real medical advice you need to see your local CLL doctor. There are fantastic docs out there who can look after you well.
I will endeavour to answer speedily and accurately, but bear in mind this happens inbetween normal patient care, so answers may take a while.
Fire away!
Sorry to hear that, Dr. Franz. I have just one little doubt, before a tibial lengthening is not recommended to use heels more than 2 cm, right? In the unfortunated case that some people have used high heels( up to 4 cm) for a long time, would you recommend a percutaneous achilles tendon lengthening prior to the tibia surgery??
Interesting question. :-)
I personally don't think that having worn heels is necessarily a contra-indication. It really depends more on your current flexibility and stretching routine during and after lengthening. I almost never perform the achilles lengthening at the beginning, but tend to add it to the exfix removal procedure at the end if it is deemed necessary.
Hope this helps?
Thank you very much for your time, Dr.
Dr. Birkholtz, thank you for returning to the forum! I would certainly appreciate your take on the following questions:
1) Do you believe that a biceps femoris release is required for femoral lengthening? Some Drs perform it as a precautionary measure, some do not - I would love your opinion on this, and specifically, what the tradeoffs are in performing/not performing the release?
2) What do you consider a "safe" lengthening amount for close to full return to athletic activity? Reading through literature, you and other Drs have stated 5 cms, possibly 6 cms. Are there specific medical/physiological reasons as to why this is considered a "safe" length, and/or is there more leeway between a person of, say, 168 cms in stature vs one of 178 cms in stature (leaving aside the why the taller person would seek the procedure)?
The latter seems to be a pretty common question on the board, I'm not sure I've seen it answered in great detail.
Your time here is very much appreciated. I am actually glad you are being bombarded by inquiries 
, based on your reputation, you seem to be a terrific surgeon and clinician, and I hope your CLL practice continues to blossom. TIA.
Dr.Birkholtz
Thank you very much for your contribution to this forum.
Would the benefits outweigh the risks of nail removal, femur PRECICE2 in particular?
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