Frequestly Asked Questions

What cases are treated in Ladisten Clinic?

We help people with bow legs and knock knees, leg or arm length differences, congenital short femur, growth plates fractures, traumatic orthopedic problems and also perform cosmetic limb lengthening and limb shortening. We also deal with limb shortening & deformities, bone defects & infection, dwarfism, constitutional short stature and other cases.

How do I know that your methods are right for me?

First thing is to browse our website and FAQ section for more detail. Next thing we'd advised is to contact Ladisten Clinic via phone +380.44.222.8054 or via email info[at]ladisten[dot]com with description of your problem, photos and X-rays.

I have short stature, may I get cosmetic limb lengthening for height increase?

The prospects who suffer from short stature and would like to get cosmetic limb lengthening can get the surgery to increase their height. So no problem, you can consider height increase operation done in Ladisten Clinic.

What is leg lengthening procedure?

In most cases we talk about cosmetic leg lengthening, it works by taking advantage of the body’s ability to heal itself. By means of cosmetic leg lengthening we increase the height of the patient. The procedure we use at Ladisten includes minimally invasive methods of accessing and cutting shin bones and femurs, that automatically begin to generate new bone. But as the bones heal, they’re pulled apart by Ilizarov-Veklich device to make them longer.

I have bowlegs, I am 14 and I live in USA. What I shall do to apply for an operation?

You will need an approval from your parents first, and they need to contact our Clinic. You can fill in the international appointment form with mentioning of desirable appointment dates to initiate the dialog. Shortly afterwards our representative will contact you. Normally it takes less than 2 days. After we know all needed detail of your case, and dates are agreed, your relatives/guide person prepare all documents to go to abroad. You inform the day, time of arriving, number of your flight. We pick you up from the airport for appointment at Ladisten Clinic.

How much does the surgery cost?

It depends on type of the problem, surgery (bow legs correction, knock-knees correction, cosmetic limb lengthening, trauma healing, etc) and type of accommodation patient wants to have while treatment and recovery process. Please contact us with your questions, we will get back to you in a timely manner.

What payment methods are accepted?

You may pay by CC, checks, bank wire, cash. The Clinic does not cover transfer & bank fees. Please contact Ladisten Clinic for more detail.

Who would you NOT recommend cosmetic limb lenghtening?

We would generally not recommend cosmetic limb lengthening to prospects who are looking for very fast results, who are inpatient, or psychologically instable. Limb lengthening, although done with micro-intrusive technology and Ilizarov-Veklich device applied, is a surgery anyway and patient will need time for lengthening and recovery to be successful.
Also we do not perform surgeries for prospect with generally weak health and other conditions that do not allow surgeries and treatment. This can be discusses directly with surgeons/clinic consultants while consultation or via email.

What type of tests does the doctor use to learn about my problems before surgery?

All tests we make before surgery in our Clinic. First of all those are x-rays of legs, then you should pass all analisis (blood pressure, urine analysis, EKG). Sometimes surgeon assigns psychiatrist expertise to assure the patient can undergo procedures.

What are the risks of surgery?

Although every operation has its level of risks, the surgeries done at Ladisten Clinic with further treatment with Ilizarov-Verklich devices have minimal risks.

What is Lifestyle Management? Does it have anything to do with my staying at Clinic?

This addresses various aspects of a patient’s lifestyle that may have an impact on his or her health. This would include such things as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, diet, and exercise. Your doctor would try to identify any such issues and then counsel the patient on steps to reduce the health risk. Life style modification can lessen risks and prevent complications after surgery.

When can I go walking?

Your should not try to walk until you have followed up with your surgeons and they have given you the o.k. to do it.

How long will I be off work?

Your surgeons will be able to give you a better idea once you meet with them. Keep in mind each individual heals differently. Also it depends on type of surgery you undergo.

When can I remove the Ilizarov-Veklich device after my surgery?

Ilizarov-Veklich Device can be removed when your bone has a good regeneration (a good clavus).

Is there a special diet while I stay at Ladisten?

There might be a change in your everyday's style meal you used to at home, to meet the vitamins and micro-elements balance for better recovery process. You need to get balanced meal while treatment, but if you want something special of your cuisine - it isn't a problem in most cases. Clinic will try to provide you with best choice.

I am vegetarian, do you have any options for me while I treated at Clinic?

For those with special dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, etc.), the Clinic will gladly help your needs, but please inform them beforehand.
The cost of the special dietary meal is discussed separately.

When can I shower after my surgery?

You may shower as early as 24 hours after surgery but you will not be allowed to wet your legs/hands with devices.

I am afraid operation will leave large scars on my skin.

Whatever treatment you undergo at Ladisten Clinic, we care for minimal side-effects like scarring, and this is achieved with the help of minimally invasive operation and treatment with Ilizarov-Veklich devices. Small puncture - like micro-wounds (2 mm max. spots) on the skin disappear after some time.

How soon after arrival to Ladisten I can be operated?

You need to see the doctors and to make analysis, procedures won't take more that 1 day. If results are ok, you can be operated the following day we get results.

My baby has PFFD and surgeons say we will need an amputation one day. Can I save a leg to my child anyhow?

There is still a chance, we have helped the patients with severe level of this problem. PFFD or Congenital Short Femur is treated at Ladisten Clinic successfully, please schedule an appointment to see one of our surgeons for consultation. You shall use the chance and do not waste time, sooner the problem is treated, the better results.

I am applying for ssi disability for my child. Why should I try treatment with Ilizarov-Veklich device?

Of course it is up to you whether to amputee the limb of your child and you may have your reasons for that. Before doing so, please contact our specialists first, you have nothing to lose, right? The decision you'll make will change the life of your baby forever and you will be the one responsible for that. It might be that you can save the limb with no great spendings. We helped children with severe cases of PFFD, you may check our Photo gallery section for your reference. Contact us today to give your child a hope and new life.

I know that there are pins in Ilizarov fixator that need to be removed from the leg and this is painful?

Ilizarov-Veklich device does not have multiple pins, comparing to classic Ilizarov fixator. It has screws of some sort, and removing them is not aching process and does not require general anesthesia. Comparing to removing pins or other fixators and devices used for lengthening or correction, Ilizarov-Veklich device is easy to take off, and the procedure is not so painful.

What is the percentage of unplanned (additional) surgeries needed?

In approximately <3% of cases and arise if patients do not follow doctor's advices.

I heared the price for cosmetic limb lengthening surgery runs from $80,000 to $100,000. We cannot afford it!

Ladisten tries to make the cosmetic limb lengthening treatment as well as other orthopedic services more affordable cosmetic orthopedic procedures. Although we suggest you to contact us for getting more precise information on our pricing policy, the costs of the surgery is times lower.

Is there the age limitation for surgery?

There are different types of orthopedic surgeries we perform here and for each case there are some age guidance. For example, in case of PFFD, the child must be of 1-2 years old age to be able to achieve successful treatment (same limb length). This is why we constantly suggest to consult us as soon as possible to be able to offer the effective treatment for the case. For bowlegs correction we accept children and adults, from 5 to 50-55 years old. For limb lengthening, prospects 1-40 years old mostly apply.
Of course for each case patient first has to contact us to assure he or she qualifies for the treatment.

I found a website, claming it has todo with Ladisten Clinic or Vitaliy Veklich.

The only official websites of Ladisten Clinicare these ones : http://www.ladisten.com and http://www.ladisten.com/ru where you can find the most updated information about orthopedic services we offer, price range and other information available. We want your experience in accessing information about Ladisten Clinic to be safe and effective. If you have doubt about the origin of the websites you found over the Internet, please contact us via phone +380.44.222.8054 or email us please.

Do you perform simultanious femurs and tibias lengthening or shortening?

Currently we do not perform this type of Limb Lengthening treatment, mainly because of psychological difficulties patients may experience due to long overall limb lengthening / shortening period.

What should I expect from the cosmetic leg lengthehing?

Cosmetic limb lengthening procedures, involve complex, painful, considerably costly treatments with prolonged recovery periods of almost a year. If you're considering cosmetic limb lengthening, you must prepare yourself for the pain and discomfort associated with it. At the same time you can get results you wanted to achieve - to become taller and increase your legs length.

Can I get bow legs correction and cosmetic limb lengthening with one surgery?

Yes you can get cosmetic bilateral leg lengthening and Correction of Bilateral Tibia Vara (bow legs) with one surgery.

I want to do bow legs correction, because they say it's ugly...

Do not do bow legs correction only to blend in with society. Think twice and try to make it a personal decision that every person should be allowed to make without being judged by anyone for that decision.

I heared Josh Howard was born with severe bow legs and he had them fixed and he is doing well in sports!

Yes, correct. The bow legs correction or genu varum correction should be performed earlier the better - in his case he was in his childhood. The correction of genu varum deformity allowed Josh to become the athlete he is today.

What type of anesthesia will be used? What are the risks?

You shall discuss the method of anesthesia with Ladisten's anesthesiologist and inform your preferences. It is possible to perform epidural anesthesia while surgeries. It has minimum side-effects comparing to other methods of anesthesia.
As a rule, the bigger the procedure, the more risk there's going to be. As all of our procedures are below 2 hours max, the risks are really minimal.

How soon my email will be answered?

The maximum response time won't exceed 1 business day.

What is the cost of the procedure of LL in Femur and what are the limitations of the unit, 50mm 70mm or 100mm etc.

Limitation is 5-6 cm max.As for now, price of cosmetic limb lengthening (femur) is 17,000 Euro.

What is the cost of the procedure in Tibula and what are the limitations of the unit, 50mm 70mm or 100mm etc.

If we're talking the limitation for tibia - it is 70mm. The price for surgery is 17,000 Euro.

Does the surgery price include the accommodation and for what period?

It does not include an accommodation and is clearly stated by clinic. Surgery costs cover the limb lengthening micro-surgery itself, titanium Ilizarov-Veklich devices for both legs, blood tests, all necessary medical equipments and medications for pre-surgery and post-surgery care, x-rays etc. It also includes removing Ilizarov-Veklich after the treatment is over.
In some cases clinic may provide you with total price for surgery and for some period of staying in hospital, though and it is clearly stated.

Do Veklich devices for bow legs and limb lengthening look the same?

The look of Veklich devices for bow legs, knock knee correction and limb lengthening can vary from semi-ring to triangle-shaped depending on the othopaedic problem. Each time for each particular case surgeon constructs unique device to achieved best results possible.

Can you provide an accomodation?

Staying in hospital is about 120 Euro and includes a single room, food, satellite TV, air-condition, nurses 24 hours/day, all medicaments, free internet access, DVD, pickup from and to the airport, physiotherapy, massage, etc.
If there are 2 people doing LL and if they express their willing to share the room, they may share it, and the price for accomodation per each may be significantly lower.

Do you have to stay in the country whilst distracting or can you return home?

While distracting takes place, you will need to stay in the country and cannot return home. Distraction starts on the 10th day after the surgery, general speed is 1mm/24 hours. After it ends, you may come home, although we'd advise to stay at the clinic for the whole period of treatment for particular reasons like safety, risk associated, etc.

Is physiotherapy included in the cost and if not how much extra will this be?

It IS included.

How long is the device left on the leg after the distraction period for tibia before it is removed.

You mean while limb lengthening, ok you will need to wear it for 3-4 months while limb lengthening, depending on the state of your bones. If you are away from hospital this means we will need to see you in person or see your X-rays to assure everything goes like planned.

When it is better to come for surgery - winter or summer?

It depends on your personal preferences and likes. It's up to you if you prefer surgery done summer or winter time, or whatever other time you like. Of course you need to approve date with Clinic first.

What if I am dissatisfied with new shape of my legs? They look skinny!

We correct the shape of your bones to reflect the correct bio-mechanical axis to prevent you from developing arthritis and improve the look of your legs. We cannot change your muscles to look better or shapelier. It's those who expect perfect results, and a whole life changed by aesthetic surgery, who tend to be dissatisfied with the results.

I was told by doctor from clinic X I should be in great shape to get additional inches of height after cosmetic limb lengthening. Your thoughts? Is that so important for me to be in a great shape for cosmetic limb lengthening and why?

We can only speak for ourselves. The better the person's state, the better the results of lengthening tend to be. But you do not need to make some additional training, sports before LL. We don't ask patient to get in great shape first. If you come here to Ladisten, you want to know what we can do for you, not what you should be doing, right? After you're done with recovery, you can start training.

Can you provide consultation remotely?

If you are having problems with getting into the clinic for consultation due to distance factor, we can assist via phone or email. Will need to see X-rays of your problem area to provide more detail. You may prepare a scan / photo and send it to us to info[at]ladisten.com.