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Deformity Correction
Dong Hoon Lee
Joint health is the toppriority
Legs play an extremely important role in our body, supporting our entire weight. Leg correction surgery is not a procedure that simply brings the knees together; it is a procedure that results in beautiful and healthy legs. Patients come with different types of deformity in different locations. Some may have a combination of several deformities.
Without a physician’s in-depth understanding of the various deformities and treatment methods, results may not satisfy the patient.
For example, a variety of surgical techniques are available to treat bowlegs. No single surgical method can accurately correct all deformities.
Angular Deformity (Bowlegs) Correction
Angular Deformity (Knock-knees) Correction
Rotational Deformity; Right Knee
Simultaneous Angular Deformity and Rotational Deformity Correction
Angular Deformity of Tibia (Bowleg) Correction
Treated Angular Deformity, Rotational Deformity and Protruding Fibular Head
Leg correction surgery is not a procedure that simply brings the knees together.
It is a procedure that results in beautiful and healthy legs. Donghoon Advanced Limb Lengthening Reconstruction Institute diagnoses every cause of deformity with precise pre-operative examination and high-technological imaging devices. Furthermore, every operation is performed with minimal invasion, leaving the smallest scars (we are confident that we leave the smallest in the world). With highly professional procedures and after-care, we have achieved rates of 0% for deep infections, nonunion and medical accident rates in leg correction surgery, which is a difficult to attain.
01
we can treat the cause of bowlegs by analyzing each case precisely.
Patients can get the best results, both functionally and cosmetically, because surgical methods are chosen specifically to match individual cases of deformity.
02
we do accurate correction, not over-correction.
The most important thing in leg deformity correction is the correctional angle. Donghoon Advanced Limb Lengthening Reconstruction Institute finds the best leg alignment based on our patients’ long-term joint health.
03
we pursue safe surgery based on accurate analysis and pursue positive effects on the knee joint.
We professionally care for all major complications such as medical accidents, deep infections and nonunion. We have a thorough understanding of methods to improve the knee joint. This is reflected in the success of our surgeries.
04
rehabilitation is fast.
Generally, a big incision is needed to achieve a strong fix; fixation is weak with smaller incisions. This results in having to choose between a small incision or fast rehabilitation (because rehabilitation is fast when internal fixation is strong). With Dr. Donghoon Lee’s surgical method, however, this dilemma no longer exists because strong internal fixation is possible with a very small incision. Therefore, patients do not need a brace or cast post-operatively and they can walk normally within 4-6 weeks after surgery, on average.
05
we consider cosmetic factors.
Our minimally invasive technique leaves the smallest scars and optimal leg alignment is made in terms of both cosmetic and orthopedic views.
Is it true that after surgery, the incidence of arthritis increases? or that bones become more fragile?
After the correctional surgery, the patient’s own bone is healed and remodeled. When new bone formation is complete, the bone is not weak, but is as strong as before, so it does not easily break.
If deformity of the leg is severe, can it be corrected completely?
It can be corrected completely. Donghoon Advanced Limb Lengthening Reconstruction Institute provides the best and most appropriate surgical method according to each deformity.
How long does it take until patients can do normal activities?
When patients have surgery using internal fixation, such as HTO and SADO (Simultaneous Angulation and Derotation Osteotomy), there are no external fixators after surgery. Patients can thus start to practice walking 2-3 days post-operation, and in 4-6 weeks they can perform daily activities. In cases of severe deformity which cannot be corrected internally, we use an external fixator (Ortho SUV, Hexapod, Ilizarov). Normal daily activities are difficult with an external fixator attached to the legs, and it is usually attached for 4-5 months. If we use the CATN (Correction and Then Nailing) method, which inserts an internal nail after external fixation correction, the length of time can be shortened to 2-3 months.
(*The periods above are averages and can vary among patients.)
Are there specific body conditions that make the surgery impossible?
If patients have severe medical problems, such as diabetes, osteomyelitis, or a metabolic disease that can interfere with bone formation, the possibility of surgery can only be evaluated after close examination.
Why is the cost not fixed?
We have various surgical options for each patient and the costs are different in each case.
What is the cost for additional surgery when complications occur unexpectedly?
Additional surgery fees will be charged to the patient, but we try our best to minimize costs when complications occur.
For how long do patients need someone’s help after the operation?
About 2-3 days after the surgery, patients can try to stand up on their own. Normally, 3-7 days after the surgery, they can go to the bathroom by themselves. Recovery time is different from person to person, but patients usually will need a family-member, friend or care-taker to help for at least 1 week.
What kind of exercise do you recommend before the surgery?
Strengthening the quadriceps through various exercises (cycling, squats, lunges, walking in water, and swimming) before surgery can facilitate rehabilitation after surgery. In addition, upper body muscle strengthening exercises and stretching the entire body can be helpful.
