FITBONE^® Course of treatment


Day of surgery
The bone is seperated into two segments to create the growth zone. This is done from inside, i.e. from the internal channel which is typical for the bones of the upper and lower extremities. A special internal type of surgical saw is used for that purpose. After that, the two bone segments are stabilized with the FITBONE® distraction device.

Resting phase
After the surgery, the patient remains hospitalized for a recovery period of 5-7 days, while the FITBONE® implant is not yet activated. This period is necessary to let the incisions heal.
After that, the patient is released from the hospital to his rehabilitation regime, walking on crutches to ensure that the operated leg is only partly loaded.

Period of distraction
Distraction, i.e. the process of lengthening, is started already during the period of hospitalization, usually at the fifth day of treatment. The FITBONE® implant is activated through a computerized control unit, and moves the bone segments apart at a rate of approximately one millimeter per day. This is done in several steps, in accordance with the computerized control program, and continued until the desired bone lengthening distance has been achieved.

Period of consolidation
After the lengthening, the next stage is the period of consolidation, during which the newly built bone mass solidifies. Depending on the extent of lengthening and the volume of regenerated bone mass, this phase can take approx. 4 up to 9 month.

Removal
Metal removal is performed approximately 1,5 or 2 years after completion of the lengthening.
A hospitalization of 3-4 days should be considered for that purpose.

In Germany, the social insurance system finances the costs of a FITBONE® treatment in medically indicated cases. The system price also includes the leasing rate for the control unit and a tool set, which have to be returned after completion of the treatment.