2009. 08. 19

My sincere apologies for the lengthy absence.

Much has taken place, but little is worth mentioning:

I traveled to Europe for seven weeks at the end of April, largely, to attend my now-Godson's baptism, and returned just in the knick of time to attend my BSc. graduation. Since, I've received word that I've been accepted into the MSc(OT) programs at UToronto, UWesternOntario, QueensU, and McMasterU. I'm happy to announce that I've chosen UWesternOntario. Since making this life-decision, I've leased an apartment, moved many of my things in and am making the permanent move, Gucia in tow, 23 August - in three days.

Now that we've all reached the same page, we can proceed to the interesting stuff...

Today, leg-lenthinging surgery. (Information from: http://www.limblengthening.com/aboutll.html).

Limb lengthening is possible and has been performed successfully for about 50 years in Kurgan, Russia. Gavriil A. Ilizarov developed the concept in 1951 after seeing many WWII veterans who had leg fractures that had not healed (non-unions).

Ilizarov first developed an external fixation frame that was placed around the leg. Knowing that compression of the fracture would help stimulate bone healing, he built a frame that had this capacity. He instructed a patient to gradually compress the non-union by turning a rod. However, the patient turned the rod the wrong way and caused distraction (separation) of the fracture. Ilizarov noticed that new bone had formed in the gap between the bone ends. This was the beginning of much research and development that showed that limb lengthening was possible, safe and effective.

Limb lengthening and reconstruction techniques can be used to replace missing bone and lengthen and/ or straighten deformed bone segments. The procedures may be performed on both children and adults who have limb length discrepancies due to birth defects, diseases or injuries. The limb lengthening and deformity correction process works on the principle of distraction osteogenesis. This is a revolutionary concept that reverses the long-held belief that bone cannot be regenerated. In this process, a bone that has been cut during surgery can be gradually distracted (pulled apart), leading to new bone formation (osteogenesis) at the site of the lengthening. In this way, bone segments can be lengthened by 15 to 100 percent of their original length. The regenerated bone is normal and does not wear out. The muscles, nerves and blood vessels grow in response to the slow stretch like they do during a growth spurt or in pregnancy.

Obviously such a surgery, although surely quite painful, can drastically change a life, physically and emotionally. Here is an example:



Here's is a video brought to you by the Associated Press, using the same procedure for cosmetic purposes:




Your thoughts?