ISSN: 2167-1044
+44 1223 790975
Bjorn Tjernstrom
Sweden
Research Article
Mended But Not Healed - Somatic and Mental Health 10 Years after Leg Lengthening with Ilizarov
Author(s): Birgitta Johansson Niemela and Bjorn TjernstromBirgitta Johansson Niemela and Bjorn Tjernstrom
Objective: To study the somatic and mental health in patients who had leg lengthening (LL) in a 10-year follow-up and to compare it with the 1 year-follow-up. Earlier studies have demonstrated severe maladaptive reactions in children and adolescents on a short term basis but also that they tolerate it without sustained psychological impact. Cohort sequential longitudinal studies, in which individuals from different age groups are followed over time, are needed to tease apart aging and cohort effects. Methods: This was a prospective study with 28 patients, mean age of 20, who had undergone leg lengthening (LL) between 1997-2005 at the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Uppsala University Hospital. The somatic health was studied by a structured medical assessment of the reconstructed leg and an interview focused on the patient’s experiences of surgery, outcome and function. The .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2167-1044.1000151