Dr. Axel Becker is a specialist in leg lengthening, a specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery and carries out cosmetic leg lengthening in his special clinic in Freiburg. For this purpose – only here – a minimally invasive leg lengthening method BETZBONE®, developed by him and unique in the world, is used.
Read whether X-rays are required for leg lengthening.
When people research leg lengthening, one question they ask is: Do X-rays of the leg need to be taken before leg lengthening? Dr. med. A. Becker answers this question as follows: For leg lengthening in our Freiburg special clinic, we need an X-ray image of the entire leg as a standing photograph in 2 planes BEFORE the operation. We use this x-ray image to measure the leg axis, to measure the medullary cavities of the thigh and lower leg as well as to measure the curvature of the thigh and to prepare for the operation.
The first x-ray image is therefore taken BEFORE the operation; it is used for planning the operation and for preoperative measurement.
The second x-ray is taken immediately AFTER the operation as part of your inpatient stay in our clinic. We use this x-ray image to check the steps of the operation – the position of the implant, screws, etc.
The third x-ray is taken after approx. 6 weeks. This serves to check whether the extension distances are carried out evenly and whether the implant remains in an excellent position.
The fourth x-ray will be taken after the lengthening process is completed. This is used to check the implants and to check the uniformity of the extension distance.
The fifth and final X-ray image is taken approximately 3 months after the consolidation phase and is used to monitor bone healing and new bone formation. As with the fourth x-ray, a simple x-ray of the thigh or lower leg is sufficient.
Please note: We recommend a final X-ray check after approx. 3 years or before removing the implant.
Generally asked
Can the radiologist measure the exact extension distance using an X-ray of the leg?
Dr. med. A. Becker says: This question can be answered quickly. No, that won’t work. An x-ray cannot measure the exact lengthening at either the beginning or the end of the lengthening process. The most reliable “measurement” of extension is the number of active clicks. With the clicks, patients have absolute control. Because the extension distance per click is always the same, namely exactly 0.052 mm. This extension cannot be influenced in any way.
On the other hand, a lot of measurement inaccuracies and sources of error can arise when measuring the extension distance using an X-ray. For example, through different projections, through leg rotations, through different distances from the recording source and much more.
