Bone Reconstruction and Lengthening Unit
Specialists in bone dysplasias, growth disorders, bone malformations, bone lengthening, arthroplasties, lower extremity sports traumatology, and stem cell treatment.
BONE DYSPLASIAS, SKELETAL DYSPLASIAS, OR OSTEOCHONDRODYSPLASIAS
Bone dysplasias, skeletal dysplasias, or osteochondrodysplasias are part of a diverse group of bone diseases characterized by their impact on bone growth and composition.
Bone dysplasias, skeletal dysplasias, or osteochondrodysplasias are part of a diverse group of bone diseases characterized by their impact on bone growth and composition.
At ICATRECON, we have been treating patients with dysplasias for over 25 years.
Our experience has shown us that achieving the expected results requires a personalized approach, focusing on each patient as a whole, not just their condition or disease.
Our patient care at ICATRECON is geared towards supporting the patient and their immediate surroundings throughout the process, with continuous psychological support.
Diagnosing bone dysplasias is complex and requires a multidisciplinary team including pediatrics, pediatric endocrinology, rehabilitation, psychology, genetics, anesthesiology, and specialized orthopedic surgery.
Additionally, ICATRECON offers the possibility of consultations with expert specialists from various permanent medical services at our hospital, including cardiology, pulmonology, otolaryngology, neurosurgery, general and vascular surgery, dietetics, and more.
An appropriate diagnostic approach is essential to determine the most suitable therapeutic strategy, understand the causes of the condition, evaluate the possibilities for medical-surgical treatment, and provide guidance and support to families on various health-related aspects.
This way, the patient and their family receive care tailored to align their expectations with reality, not only medically but also emotionally.
Dr. Ignacio Ginebreda, director of ICATRECON, orthopedic surgeon, and traumatologist, is an expert in the treatment of bone dysplasias and other growth disorders. He is a pioneer in the use of intramedullary nails for bone elongation in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Some children have a height below the normal range for their age. Many of them have a condition that hinders growth. Without appropriate treatment, they will become short-stature adults, which can be a challenge in today’s society.
From birth to adulthood, each child grows according to their “genetic or constitutional channel” when there are no growth issues.
If growth shows a progressive decline with changes in the growth curve, specialist intervention is required.
Sometimes, parents and/or pediatricians may observe at birth that there is a disproportion between the length of the trunk and the limbs (short arms and legs). These children often show very limited spontaneous growth and may have low-expression bone dysplasias.
Most of these children suffer from a bone disease called achondroplasia, which can now be diagnosed during pregnancy.
Achondroplasia is a bone disease (dysplasia) that affects bone growth and composition, and it is the most common form of dwarfism.
It is a chromosomal bone disorder in which the patient presents all long bones symmetrically shortened relative to the rest of the skeleton, resulting in disproportionate body growth.
When medical options are unavailable and the stature is very short with severe psychological repercussions, limb lengthening surgery may be indicated to increase the child’s height.
This is a process involving surgery to create a controlled fracture in a specific area of the bone. A specialized external fixator is then applied to prevent the fracture from healing prematurely.
The bone is gradually lengthened using the fixator mechanism at a rate of 1 mm per day until the desired length is achieved.
After the lengthening process, the fixator remains in place until the bone fully consolidates.
Finally, a rehabilitation period follows to restore normal characteristics to the bone, soft tissues, and joints.
Only an experienced orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist should perform lengthening surgery to minimize and manage potential complications.
It is an individualized decision made in consultation with the families, emphasizing the importance of personalized treatment for each patient.
Before surgery, the patient and family should be informed about the risks and benefits.
In achondroplasia, the optimal age to start a comprehensive limb-lengthening protocol is between 10 and 11 years, provided all inclusion criteria are met.
For patients with short stature without dysplasia, the best time is when skeletal maturity is nearly complete.
In children with achondroplasia or similar conditions (normal trunk and short limbs), tibias, fibulas, femurs, and humeri are lengthened.
This can result in height improvements of 30–35 cm for the legs and 9–11 cm for the arms.
In cases of short stature without bone dysplasia, short stature due to early puberty, or constitutional causes, a proportionality study is recommended to determine which bones should be lengthened and by how many centimeters. Typically, tibias and fibulas are lengthened by 7–9 cm.
At ICATRECON, we strive to minimize hospital stay duration.
Reintegration into the family and school environment should happen as soon as possible, even if the child needs to use a wheelchair.
Short stature often causes psychological issues, such as low self-esteem or poor body image.
Whether the child receives medical treatment alone or requires surgery, psychological support is essential, especially during decision-making about surgery and throughout the rehabilitation period. These interventions have a significant impact on the child’s personal, school, and social life, as well as on their immediate surroundings.
At ICATRECON, we have Miriam Pérez Vallmitjana, psychologist and coordinator of the Unit, with over 25 years of experience supporting families and patients with bone dysplasias.
At ICATRECON, we place great importance on the emotional well-being of short-stature children, understanding the emotional challenges they may face.
