Femur lengthening scars: Do internal nails reduce visible scarring compared to external fixators?

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Hi everyone, I've been researching limb lengthening and I'm wondering if internal nails reduce visible scarring compared to external fixators? I know that external fixators can be quite bulky and noticeable, but I'm not sure about the scarring.

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I've had both external fixators and internal nails, and I can tell you that the scarring is definitely less noticeable with internal nails. However, the recovery time was longer with the internal nails, and the cost was higher. I paid around $50,000 for the internal nail procedure, whereas the external fixator was around $30,000.

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I'm not sure I agree with that. I've read that internal nails can increase the risk of complications, such as nerve damage and infection. And what about the risk of non-union? I've heard that internal nails can make it harder for the bone to heal properly.

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Physiological Mechanisms of Distraction Osteogenesis

From my deep dive into the literature and consultations with orthopedic specialists, I can tell you that the key to successful limb lengthening is understanding the physiological mechanisms of distraction osteogenesis. The process involves the use of external or internal devices to gradually distract the bone, allowing for new bone growth. The use of internal nails, such as the PRECICE or STRYDE devices, can provide a more stable and controlled environment for bone growth, which can lead to faster healing and less noticeable scarring.

Biomechanical Strategies to Increase External-Fixator Stiffness

• Reduce the distance between the connecting rod and the bone surface
• Increase the number of Schanz pins (or Steinmann pins) per bone segment
• Use larger-diameter longitudinal rods
• Increase the spacing between pins fixed to the same bone segment
• Add additional pin planes (i.e., pins placed in more than one anatomical plane) to improve torsional stability

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Thanks for the information, BoneNerd2000! I'm considering limb lengthening and I'm trying to decide between external fixators and internal nails. Can you tell me more about the recovery time and cost of each option?

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I agree with LimbLengtheningPro that the scarring is less noticeable with internal nails. However, I think it's worth noting that the recovery time can be longer with internal nails, and the cost is higher. I would recommend considering the Ilizarov external fixator, which can provide a more stable and controlled environment for bone growth, and is often less expensive than internal nails.

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I'm so glad I stumbled upon this thread! I'm scheduled for femur lengthening in a few weeks and I was wondering about the scarring. Thanks for sharing your experiences, everyone!