Comprehensive service

Reasons for limb-lengthening (indications)

There are two reasons for the operation: cosmetic limb-lengthening and medically indicated limb-lengthening. Over 90% of our patients choose limb-lengthening for cosmetic reasons. They want to become taller and/or would like a correction of their leg axes because they have knock-knees or bowlegs.

Cosmetic reasons (indications)

• For men and women who want to become taller
• For men and women who want to improve their proportions
• Axes correction of the legs, for example correction of knock-knees (Genu valgum) or bowlegs (Genu varum) or similar problems

Dr. Betz treats his patients with a highly sophisticated surgical technique, which makes cosmetic operations with fewer and smaller scars possible.

Medical reasons (indications)

• INCONSISTENT LIMB LENGTHS/INBORN-HEREDITARY DEFECTS: If the right and left leg don't have the same length, this can be corrected with the lengthening of the shorter leg with the help of an intramedullary telescopic nail.
• TRAUMA: If the bone or the soft tissue was seriously injured due to an accident, the leg has to be shortened in order to create conditions in which the healing can take place. After the healing has taken place, the shortened leg can be lengthened with an intramedullary telescopic nail to to correct the difference in lengths.
• SHORT STATURE/DWARFISM: If adult persons have a height between 80 and 150 cm/2.62 and 4.92 feet, this is called dwarfism. The patients usually have a proportionally average upper body with short extremities, thus making their overall proportions different from the average person. An intramedullary telescopic nail can help with the lengthening of the extremities.
• TUMOR RESECTION: If a malign tumor is diagnosed, extensive areas of the bone are often resected. In the past, this often meant that the leg had to be amputated at a certain level. Today, the resected bone can be replaced by bone lengthened with an intramedullary telescopic nail.
• SHORT AMPUTATION STUMPS, WHICH ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR PROSTHESIS: It is generally said that the longer the amputation stump, the easier to put in a prosthesis. A short stump can be lengthened with an intramedullary nail. How far depends on the condition of the soft tissue. 

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Preparation

Reach new heights

Every patient gets an information file with detailed information in order to prepare properly for the operation. The file describes stretching- and training-exercises in detail, which are good preparation for the operation.

Physical preparation
This includes exercises and techniques, which help the patient before the operation. Stretchability and muscle-strength are two essential factors of this preparation.

Stretchability
The neutral zero method is a standardized orthopedic assessment- and documentation-index for the mobility of joints. The mobility is measured in angular degrees as maximum deflection of the joint in comparison with the neutral position, which is 0°. The more stretched a patient is, the easier the lengthening is. The flexibility of the muscles can be improved with daily training. The muscles are embedded in a shell made of connective tissue, which is not flexible in cold conditions, similar to chewing gum. Hence, the stretching exercises should be done after a warm-up phase. While stretching, there should be a slight pulling in the muscle. But if overstretched, strains, discomfort and serious injuries can occur. Therefore, to preserve limberness, the stretching exercises should be held for at least 10 to 40 seconds in order to give the connective tissue enough time to stretch. It's important to stretch the main muscle groups: hip-joint-extensors, quadriceps, calf-, groin-, hip-flexors and lower back. Flexibility might have an influence on the recovery time for the patient.

Muscle strength
Muscle strength can be defined as the ability of a person to execute tasks with the help of their muscles. Improvement of muscle strength is the goal of strength training. It is a common misconception that strength training downgrades muscle flexibility. If it's done in the right way, strength training can even improve flexibility. When one thinks about strength, it's important to care about more than just increasing muscle mass. A person should take both strength and flexibility into consideration instead. Examples for how to train both at the same time are yoga and pilates.

Psychological preparation
If Dr. Betz asks a patient for a psychological evaluation, it must be handed in before the date of the operation. The psychological evaluation can be performed by a doctor of the patient's choosing or can be arranged by the Betz Institute. Patients should have a very clear understanding of the lengthening process. They should have a realistic idea of the duration of the lengthening process, possible side effects, and other specific details. 

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Costs (BETZBONE^© nail)

There are many factors that will affect the price of surgery and the price of a stay at the Betz Institute during the recovery process. The costs vary depending on what the patient wants, such as how many limbs or which bone(s) will be lengthened, how much length is wanted, and what options are decided on.

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ACCOMMODATION/BOARDING

Parkhotel Weiskirchen

Everything under one roof - that is the motto of the four-star deluxe "Parkhotel Weiskirchen" Surrounded by the National Park Saar-Hunsrück, one of Germany’s most attractive low mountain regions, we offer you a near perfect setting for a relaxing, yet exciting holiday. The park with its lake (belonging to the Kneipp spa town of Weiskirchen) on the opposite side of the hotel makes this the perfect location on the edge of the Saarland high forest.
At the heart of the tri-border region where Germany, France and Luxembourg meet, a variety of excursions and activities await you.
Perfect for business or pleasure, with a wide range of things to do and see, our facilities and the welcoming and familiar ambiance of our hotel will make you want to stay longer. More information can be found at: https://www.parkhotel-weiskirchen.de/en

Elkes House (House Liborius)

The House Liborius offers boarding for guests who prefer the comfort of a hotel combined with the personal touch of a shared house. As a privately-held house, we offer both. Hotel service at a high level with personal flair is one of our goals. Giving the patients of Dr. Betz and the Betz Institute an adequate home for the duration of their medical treatment is something we specialize in.
Through the years, a lot of Betz Institute patients have booked accommodation at House Liborius. Thus, we have a lot of experience with the handling and special needs of these kind of guests. Furthermore, we are continuously in contact with Dr. Betz and the Betz Institute. Hence, it is possible for us to specifically meet the individual needs of every single person. Short-term and long-term stays can be booked. 

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FAQ

1. How much taller can I get in cm/inches?

This depends on the lengthening system. If the individual parameters allow it, a maximum of 12.8 cm/5.04 inches per segment is possible with the BETZBONE^®.

2. Which is the best lengthening system?

The lengthening system is chosen personally for every patient to meet their individual needs. The patients should have a consultation with Dr. Betz in order to determine what the perfect lengthening system for them is.

3. How long does the complete procedure take?

It varies from patient to patient. The complete treatment time until nail removal usually takes about 1.5 to 3 years.

4. Is the lengthening phase painful?

This also depends on the individual patient. Pain can range from almost no pain to strong tension pain. If needed, the pain can be treated with pharmaceuticals like painkillers.

5. How much taller would you recommend I get in cm/inches?

This decision can be made individually by every patient during their lengthening phase to meet their wishes and proportions. In making this decision, a simulation of the lengthening helps, and such a simulation is performed during the patient's first consultation.

6. How safe is the procedure?

Limb-lengthenings by Dr. Betz are minimally invasive operations, by which only small cuts and, therefore, almost no damage is made to the soft tissue and muscles. The patients should know that the operation is everyday routine for Dr. Betz.

7. Do I have to use a wheelchair?

No. The BETZBONE^®, the preferred nail of Dr. Betz, can bear the full load of the bodies of even heavy patients. Thus the patients can, are allowed to and should walk on crutches immediately on the operation day. However, if other internal systems are used in combination with bilateral lengthening, a wheelchair would then need to be used.

8. When can I walk without crutches?

From the operation day on, the patient can walk small distances in the home or at work without crutches. For longer distances, crutches are recommended because this improves the gait pattern and acts as a signal for others to be careful around the patient.

9. How long will I stay in the hospital?

Usually the patient stays 6-10 days in the hospital (please see "accommodation" for details).

10. Are there language barriers in the Betz Institute?

The Betz Institute predominantly treats international patients. The staff speaks English, French and German. For other languages, an interpreter can be consulted at any time if needed.

11. Is it possible to lengthen thighs and lower legs?

Yes!

12. Is it possible to lengthen thighs and lower legs at the same time?

Dr. Betz was the first surgeon worldwide to perform the simultaneous lengthening of both thighs and both lower legs. Today he doesn't recommend this method anymore. Please read the former sections "Betz Institute Lengthening" and "Betzbone Nail" for more information.

13. How often do I need physiotherapy?

At the beginning of the lengthening period, professional physiotherapy should be performed at least 5-6 days a week for about 45 minutes. This should be accompanied by approved self-training. The intensity of the training depends on the desired lengthening distance and the patient's muscle and ligament flexibility.

14. Where can I board before and after the clinical stay?

The Betz Institute offers different possibilities for accommodation (please see "Accommodation/Boarding" above).

15. How many cosmetic limb-lengthenings does Dr. Betz perform every year?

Dr. Betz performs more than 100 cosmetic limb-lengthenings every year.

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