Successful femur lengthening surgery in Buraydah using the Ilizarov technique
In a new medical achievement that reflects the development of health services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a specialized orthopedic surgery team at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital in Buraidah was able to perform a delicate and complex surgical operation to lengthen the femur of a 12-year-old child, thus ending a long suffering with congenital shortening of the lower limb.
Case details and treatment plan
The hospital received the child, who was suffering from difficulty walking and imbalance due to a congenital shortening of the right femur by 4 cm. Upon arrival, the medical team from the Qassim Health Cluster conducted all the necessary clinical, radiological, and laboratory examinations to accurately assess the condition of the bone and surrounding tissues.
Based on the results, the medical team decided to adopt a treatment plan based on the Ilizarov technique, a leading global technique in orthopedic surgery. The procedure involved a precise bone resection and the application of an Ilizarov ring device using external fixators. This technique aims to utilize the body's natural ability to build new bone, whereby the ends of the cut bone are gradually separated at precisely calculated rates (usually one millimeter per day), allowing new bone tissue to grow and fill the gap, thus increasing bone length.
The importance of the Ilizarov technique and the medical context
The Ilizarov technique, developed by the Russian surgeon Gavriil Ilizarov in the mid-20th century, revolutionized orthopedic surgery. Its importance extends beyond cosmetic enhancement and restoring lost height; it also protects the spine and pelvis from future deformities. Leaving limb shortening untreated in children can, over time, lead to pelvic tilt, spinal curvature (scoliosis), and chronic back and joint pain, negatively impacting a child's quality of life and physical and psychological development.
Development of health services in Qassim
This success is part of a series of achievements by the Qassim Health Cluster, aligning with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The cluster aims to localize specialized and complex surgical procedures within the region, sparing patients and their families the hardship of traveling to specialized centers in major cities or abroad. The success of this initiative reflects the competence of the national medical staff and the state-of-the-art equipment available at the Maternity and Children's Hospital in Buraidah.
Results of the procedure and follow-up
The health cluster confirmed that the operation was a complete success, and the child was discharged from the hospital in stable condition. The patient will undergo a close follow-up program in outpatient clinics to oversee the gradual lengthening of the device until the target length is achieved and both limbs are equal. This will be followed by a phase of physical therapy and rehabilitation to ensure the full restoration of motor function in the affected limb and a return to normal life with ease.
