What is Limb Lengthening

Our surgical technique

Internal Methods

Albizzia

Fitbone

ISKD

External Methods

Sheffield Ring fixator

LRS Monolateral distractor

Osteotomy “cutting of the bone”

Prof. Dr. Betz’s innovative technique is one that separates him from other limb lengthening surgeons.

The osteotomy or “cutting of the bone” is a crucial part of the operation. Prof. Dr. Betz uses an intremedullary saw to perform the osteotomy which eliminates the risk of cutting or damaging the surrounding soft tissue. The internal saw is introduced through the same incision made for the internal device in order to prevent any unnecessary scarring. This is the reason for extremely little blood loss, and small scar formation. This technique is unique in that most other limb lengthening surgeons cut the bone from the outside causing more scars and soft tissue damage. The principle of an internal osteotomy is to keep the inner and outer layer of the bone and surrounding soft tissue intact.

                 The intremedullary saw inside the bone canal             The osteotomy “bone cut”

Betz institute technique
- Internal cutting device
- Osteotomy performed from inside the bone
- Only one incision for the distraction device and intremedullary saw
- No additional incisions for cutting the bone
- No unnecessary damage to the surrounding soft tissue
- No disruption to the outer layer of the bone segment

Traditional techniques used by most surgeons
- External cutting device
- Osteotomy performed from the outside of the bone
- Additional scarring for the osteotomy
- Possible damage to the surrounding soft tissue
- Disruption of the outer layer of bone which may cause nonunion
 

Entry point for the internal device

The insertion of the nail is an extremely important part of the procedure. Prof. Dr. Betz creates a very small incision at the top of the intended bone segment (femur or tibia). The benefit of Prof. Dr. Betz’s entry point is that it is safer and aesthetically better for the patient. Prof. Dr. Betz inserts the internal device through the top of the femur near the side of the hip because it is a direct route to the bone canal. The entry point for the tibia is made below the knee in order to make a direct route into the bone canal. For the femur, many other surgeons insert the internal nail through the buttock which may cause damage to muscle and soft tissue as well as create unattractive scars in an undesirable location. 

Betz institute technique
- Entry point at the top of the bone segment near the side of the hip for femur
- No cutting through muscle or unnecessary damage to the soft tissue
- No need to cut through the buttock to introduce the internal device
- No scarring on the buttock


Traditional techniques used by most surgeons
- Entry point through the buttock for femur
- Unnecessary damage to muscle and other soft tissue
- Undesirable scars on the buttock

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Betz Institute

Heeresstr. 49

66822 Lebach

Germany

Phone:   +49 (0) 175 7815  512

Email:      info@betzinstitute.com