How does deformity correction work?
Each procedure may vary but the general process is the following:
- Acute correction
- During this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut across the bone to create two separate bone segments. This is called an osteotomy. After this step, the surgeon will straighten the bone.
- When the position of the bone is corrected, the surgeon inserts an internal device to keep the bone in the corrected position while it heals. After the bone heals, the internal device may be removed during a second surgery.
- Gradual correction
- During this procedure, an external fixator is applied to the bone, then the surgeon cuts the bone into two separate segments and may prepare the muscles and nerves by performing soft-tissue procedures.
- Distraction period follows the surgery, during which the surgeon will give specific instructions and a schedule for how to adjust the external fixator. During this process, the two bone segments are slowly pulled apart and straightened, new bone forms in the space between them.
- After, the consolidation phase involves the period when the new bone (regenerate bone) slowly hardens until it is completely hardened and calcified, which means that it is healed (consolidated).
