Fixator 101- Monolateral

Benjamin will begin the lengthening process in 8 days. His surgery will include a femoral osteoplasty for lengthening, ilio-tibial tendon release to ease the process and application of dynamic external fixator. Above is a basic monolateral fixator like the kind Benjamin will most likely have with his pins clustered together more closely than in this diagram.  At his pre-op appointment, our doctor drew basic lines on Benjamin's most recent x-rays to show the general areas where pins will be placed. In Benjamin's case, he will be growing bone in the lower part of his femur with the osteoplasty (bone cut) more towards his knee and the fixed section more towards his hip. 

Bone lengthening has three stages:

1. surgery -attach the external fixator frame to the bone

2. distraction phase- distraction is the slow controlled separation of the bone ends (every 6 hours turn the device; 4 turns will equal 1/25 of an inch or 1 millimeter each day of lengthening)

3. consolidation phase-this is when the bone hardens and when it is safe, the hardware (fixator) can be removed

From now until then, we will be celebrating Zoe's 7th birthday (March 15) and Ryan's 37th birthday (March 19). Thanks for following Benjamin's blog. Benjamin in the past has really enjoyed notes on Facebook or the blog. I read them to him everyday and he enjoys the encouragement! Thanks for your prayers too :)