Are the nails we use during surgery weight-bearing?
To understand if our nails are weight-bearing, it’s important to clarify what a weight-bearing nail is. In essence, a weight-bearing nail is a device strong enough to support the full load of a limb during the rehabilitation phase of limb lengthening.
During surgery, the osteotomy is performed, and the limb is lengthened. Initially, the bone is soft and requires support from the internal device until it strengthens. Ideally, a weight-bearing nail would allow the patient to load the limb fully from the start. However, even with a weight-bearing nail, the bone needs time to heal properly, and the device doesn’t eliminate the need for rigorous physiotherapy.
Weight-bearing nails do not bypass the need for comprehensive physiotherapy or the challenge of lengthening muscles, nerves, and soft tissues alongside the bone. They also do not enable patients to return to full function within two to three weeks, as some myths might suggest.
We employ a range of advanced techniques and technology to ensure a safe recovery. Weight-bearing nails are not essential to a successful recovery; rather, our rehabilitation program and techniques are designed to support weight-bearing effectively.
Our dedicated physiotherapy team meticulously manages post-operative care, focusing on safe and functional recovery. Techniques such as hydrotherapy have proven to significantly enhance early weight-bearing capabilities, even without weight-bearing nails. This approach, integrated into our standard care packages, supports a smoother rehabilitation journey for our patients.
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