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 lengthenings 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.
Dr. med. Becker: Today I would like to address the issue of click speed. The topic “how quickly can I finish the extension phase” concerns all of my patients.
Maybe it’s surprising, but for me as a leg lengthening specialist, the lengthening period is not a priority. In other words, the worst thing patients can do in the renewal phase/clicking process is to fixate at high speed on a specific renewal stop date.
It is much more important to maintain the balance between bony and muscular extension. This is the only way patients can absorb 100% of the extension speed through their muscles. The prerequisite for (tension) pain to be bearable.
This must always be the shared focus (doctor/patient).
The individual extension speed depends on this
Every patient is different. And every body reacts individually in the extension phase. Physical, genetic conditions and other influences play crucial roles:
- What is the patient’s genetic soft tissue constellation?
- How much time can patients spend on stretching exercises each day?
- Does the patient have a 100% job?
- Are there family or other obligations?
- Can the patient concentrate on the stretching and lengthening process throughout the day?
These and other facts play crucial roles.
Correlation of clicks in the distraction process
- 1 click = 0.052 millimeter extension
- 10 clicks = 0.5 millimeter extension
- 20 clicks = 1 millimeter extension
Is there a reference point for the standard speed of femur lengthening?
Yes, there are: Initially you can extend a little faster over a short period of time – 15 clicks a day. This corresponds to an extension per day of ¾ millimeter per day.
As muscular tension increases, the extension speed reduces to 10 clicks, i.e. half a millimeter per day. With this slowing down we avoid muscular deficits and subsequent problems.
“80 to 90% of my patients feel comfortable, with an average click rate of 10-12 clicks per day. With this lengthening speed, patients can walk well, reduce pain medications and sleep better at night. So slow lengthening has huge benefits for patients.
Is there a reference point for the standard speed of extension in the lower leg area?
The speed of lower leg extension is significantly slower compared to thigh extension. Overall, great caution is required here, also when it comes to nerve stretching. We’re talking about a speed of a maximum of 8 to 10 clicks per day. Most patients already feel a maximum of tension at this speed.
My tips for leg lengthening patients
- Do not set a fixed time for the end of the extension.
- One millimeter of lengthening per day is far too fast. I recommend a maximum of 0.5 millimeters per day.
- Don’t put pressure on yourself – it’s better to go back a step rather than lengthen too quickly.
Do you have general questions about leg lengthening in the thigh and lower leg area? Get in touch with our specialist clinic.
