Height Increase Surgery with the LATN Method (Lengthening Over Nails)
In the LATN method, the first step is to perform osteotomy. Then, an external fixator device is applied to the shin or thigh. After completing the lengthening process, an internal rod is inserted into the bone of the shin or thigh and is fixed to the bone with five or six screws. The lengthening site is then stabilized to prevent further shortening. Finally, the external fixator is removed from the limb.
Additional Information on the LATN Method
In the LATN method, the external fixator is installed first to initiate the bone lengthening process. After performing the osteotomy, the height increase begins gradually. This method is two-stage: the external fixator is first installed, and through it, the height increase is achieved. Once the desired length is reached, typically between 6 to 7 centimeters, the external fixator is removed, and an internal rod (nail) is placed inside the shin or thigh.
In this method, due to the absence of an internal rod at first, walking may be more difficult, and adjusting the osteotomy site during the lengthening period can be more challenging. However, once the lengthening process is complete and the external fixator is removed, a longer internal rod is installed, eliminating the need for fiberglass. In contrast, in the LON method, the internal rod is shorter than the bone after the height increase, which necessitates the use of fiberglass.
This method is typically recommended for individuals with very short stature because the bone is so short that the internal rod cannot be initially placed, requiring height increase before the internal rod installation. It is also used in cases with severe deformities.
Benefits of LATN Height Increase Surgery:
One of the benefits of this method is that a longer rod can be placed in the bone canal, which provides more stability at the site of lengthening due to the increased length of the shin. As a result, fiberglass is not needed.
Important Notes in LATN Height Increase Surgery
Maintaining personal hygiene and keeping the pin sites clean in the LATN method is crucial. The day after the surgery, the patient is visited by Dr. Matlabi Zadeh, and after the first physiotherapy session, which is conducted by the medical team in the hospital, they begin walking with the help of a walker.
Typically, within 48 hours, the patient is discharged from the hospital. The patient is instructed on how to rotate the lengthening screws four times a day. Each time, a quarter millimeter of bone lengthening occurs, eventually leading to a total of one millimeter of lengthening per day.
Based on past experience, the maximum lengthening recommended for each bone is 7 centimeters, and this limit is considered the standard. During the lengthening period, patients are usually able to perform their daily and personal tasks.
One week after surgery, the first follow-up visit takes place at Dr. Matlabi Zadeh’s office, where the lengthening training process begins.
During the bone lengthening process, it is important for the patient to pay special attention to the simultaneous lengthening of soft tissues. This is achieved through regular and effective stretching exercises and physiotherapy.