What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Limb lengthening surgeries help in replacing the missing bones. It also consists of straightening and lengthening the deformed bones, often caused due to congenital defects or accidents. The surgery can treat complex deformities and has become a popular option for many people who want to fix congenital or accidental distortion of their limbs.
The surgery is performed usually on patients aged between 18 and 25 years unless it is done in an emergency due to an accident.
Cost of Limb Lengthening in India
Due to its growing popularity, limb lengthening surgery in India can cost anywhere between Rs. 1.5 lakhs and Rs. 8.5 lakhs. In metro cities of India, the cost can range from Rs. 4.95 lakhs to Rs. 6.11 lakhs if done at a private hospital. The surgery has a success rate of 95% and is thus very popular among people who may need limb lengthening.
Is Limb Lengthening Affordable in India?
Compared to other countries such as the US, the UK or Europe, patients undergoing limb strengthening can save around 30-40% of the overall medical costs if done in India. Depending on the personal requirements or the desired lengthening, the cost will vary.
Other factors affecting the cost of the surgery include the type of hospital, such as public or private. The qualification and reputation of the operating surgeon will also affect the cost of the limb lengthening surgery.
Several foreigners choose to get this surgery done in India due to its affordability. Yet, the cost is still substantial and not easily affordable for many Indians who may not have sufficient funds to get this surgery. Thankfully, the surgery is covered by many health insurance plans if done to restore the normal functioning of the insured’s limbs.
When is Limb Lengthening Required?
There are many reasons resulting in unequal limbs, most common being certain birth defects, bone injuries, cerebral palsy, polio etc. These can be congenital, developmental or abnormalities due to bone infection, arthritis, fracture or tumour.
It has also become popular among people to increase their height; hence it is also known as bone-lengthening surgery. The procedure helps the person to achieve improved bone alignment and joint function using different surgical procedures. These consist of two types of corrections:
- Acute Correction: Involves cutting the bone, called osteotomy and manually shifting the bone sections.
- Gradual Correction:Induces bone growth through applied osteotomy tension.
Limb length discrepancies or LLD can result in different lengths of arms or lower legs. A difference of 4 cm between legs may result in short leg syndrome and causes discomfort in walking along with bad posture and back pain.
Is Limb Lengthening Covered by Health Insurance?
Yes, several health insurance plans in India provide coverage for limb lengthening but only in the case of accidents. External congenital anomalies are not covered by most insurance providers.
Limb discrepancies caused due to injuries to the bone during an accident are covered as they are considered restorative medical treatments. These are necessary for the survival of the insured person. In the case of these restorative surgeries, there is no waiting period and the patient can get the required procedure immediately.
Some insurers also provide the option to cover expenses to increase your height by using bone lengthening surgery, provided that you pay the additional premium. However, not all health insurance plans offer this benefit and it’s recommended that you check with your insurer about the coverage.
