lower leg prosthetics

Don't you like wearing open shoes? The swimming pool, the beach, the sauna don't make you happy? You are not alone. Statistically, 20% of people need to change their lifestyle because they are embarrassed by the appearance of their toenails and sometimes their fingernails.

When should you replace your nails?

If the nails are diseased

Currently, one in five people in the world suffers from fungal nail disease (onychomycosis). The color of the nails changes and becomes white, gray, green, yellow, brown or even black. The nails become thickened, scaly and completely destroyed in the final stages of the disease. Oychomycosis affects both toenails and fingernails. Treatment for onychomycosis is lengthy: 6 months to 1 year until healthy nails grow back. Don't know how to treat toenail fungus? Read more about onychomycosis.

Prosthetic nails can survive a long regeneration phase of the nail plate. During prosthetics, the nail plate is completely or partially removed and replaced with a special gel that hardens under UV light and looks like a healthy nail. Nail prosthetics is also performed for other diseases when the nail plate splits, becomes brittle, discolored or detaches from the nail bed, as well as for calluses under the nails.

Trauma and ingrown nails

Another common reason for the need for nail prostheses is partial or complete loss of the nail due to trauma or an ingrown nail. If the nail plate is missing, prosthetic toenails or hand nails are necessary not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to protect the nail bed.

If prosthetics is not performed on time, the nail bed dries up, and later, when a new nail grows, cavities appear under the nail, which are an ideal place for the development of various diseases. In the case of an ingrown nail, prosthetics can help direct nail growth in the right direction.

How does nail prosthetics work?

If the nail plate has been completely or partially removed, preparation is limited to disinfecting the nail bed. In other cases, the podiatrist first removes the diseased parts of the nail: using metal cutters and diamond stones, he removes the brittle, loose and discolored parts of the nail. For prostheses, the podiatrist leaves only 2-3 mm of the hard nail.

For ingrown nails, the podiatrist first cuts out the ingrown parts of the nail and carefully lines the nail bed. He then treats the rest of the nail and the surrounding skin with a special GEHWOL Nail Repair Cleaner.

Step 2 – Applying the prosthetic angel

GEHWOL Nail Repair Gel is used to repair the nail. The gel is applied in a thin layer so that you do not feel any pain or discomfort. In a few minutes, the podiatrist will use a brush to gently spread the gel over the nail bed and shape the nail.

Step 3 – Stabilize the gel with a UV lamp

The gel is cured under a UV lamp for two minutes. Our podiatrists apply the GEHWOL gel in two to three layers. After each application, the gel is irradiated with ultraviolet light. This step-by-step treatment gives the artificial nail a high degree of flexibility. Finally, the chiropodist applies an opal-colored gel to the free edge of the nail to give it a more natural look.

During this phase, the podiatrist processes the surface of the nail using special tools. This is necessary to give the nails a beautiful look and the correct shape.

Nail replacement: before and after

What is the result of the operation?

By simulating the volume of the inner calf muscle head, the implant refines its contours. The prosthesis is placed exactly under the fascia. The procedure makes the lower leg rounder and the legs look slimmer and more attractive.

  • ON CLINIC employs specialists who have received honorary awards for their achievements in this area of plastic surgery.
  • We use EUROSILICONE implants. When touched, they are not much different from muscles. These French prostheses are one of the few certified by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and approved for use in our country.
  • During the operation we use absorbable suture material so that there is no need to re-traumatize the skin.

Calfplasty: phases of the procedure

  • Preoperative preparation. You choose a plastic surgeon and make an appointment. The doctor will advise you, select the implant and explain to you what the effect of the operation will be. Before the operation, the patient must undergo examinations and tests by a cardiologist, a general practitioner and an anesthesiologist. This can be done in any medical institution, but in ON CLINIC the doctors' conclusions and laboratory results are available within a day. You will then make an appointment for the operation with your plastic surgeon.
  • Surgical intervention. The implant is inserted through a 2.5 to 4 cm incision in the pelvic fold. It is not visible at all and after just 3 to 5 months the traces of the procedure have completely disappeared. Croplasty is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Recovery takes place in the recovery room. We recommend that you be under medical supervision for at least one day.

Remember: a tibia transplant is not painless because the calf muscle is the strongest after the masticatory muscle.

recovery period

After shin augmentation, there is a short recovery time after the actual surgery. The outpatient follow-up care by the plastic surgeon lasts one week, the pain and discomfort in the lower leg subside at the end of the second week after the crossplasty. During this time, the patient is advised to walk but keep the leg elevated while sitting or lying down to reduce discomfort.

In the first few days after the operation, the patient lies in bed with his legs elevated and can only walk around the house. This will help minimize additional pressure on the lower leg area and reduce swelling.

Once the protective bandages have been removed from the lower leg, the patient is advised to resume normal activities, including walking. This allows the skin and muscles to get used to the new shape. The patient can then take short walks every day. Once the patient feels more comfortable, longer walks are recommended, even if some stiffness and discomfort still exist.

Full recovery begins approximately three weeks after the procedure, when the skin around the implants has already stretched and taken on its new shape. Bruising around the surgical site will gradually subside.

In order for the healing process to proceed normally, vigorous physical activity is not recommended. Patients typically resume normal physical activity about a month after the procedure. The rehabilitation period for postoperative treatment and recovery is different for each patient and depends on their individual characteristics.

Risks associated with shin augmentation

Each patient will experience varying degrees of swelling and bruising, depending on a number of factors such as age and health status. After any operation, risks may arise that do not depend on the skills of the plastic surgeon.

After shin augmentation, a buildup of fluid in the calf, known as a seroma, can occur. Seromas can regress spontaneously and usually disappear within a few weeks. A collection of blood in the skin after surgery is called a hematoma and usually needs to be removed surgically. Hematomas can increase the risk of infection and increase scarring.

Scarring occurs after any surgery, and the final appearance of the scar cannot be predicted. Depending on how the body responds to treatment, scars can range from an almost invisible line to large hypertrophies and keloids. Unwanted scars can be corrected surgically.

Asymmetry in the size and shape of the lower leg. Perfect symmetry is not possible and slight variations are to be expected. This should be discussed with the treating doctor.

Discontinue all medications and vitamins that affect blood clotting to reduce the risk of hematoma formation. Smokers may be at increased risk of developing complications and should be aware of this. Therefore, taking medication should be discussed with your plastic surgeon.

The side effects of a surgical procedure should be discussed in detail between the patient and doctor.

Below is a list of questions and answers about shinplasty. I, plastic surgeon Grudko AV, answer personally. You can also ask your question using the feedback form.

Information for patients

The recovery time after Endoprosthetics of the lower limbs The convalescence time is short and patients can walk around the house again the day after the operation. Acute inflammatory diseases, exacerbation of chronic somatic diseases, active cancer, pregnancy and lactation, blood clotting disorders, psychiatric disorders are contraindications to crossplasty.

Do I have to have my implants replaced and when?

In principle, your implants do not need to be replaced. There is no time limit after which the implants must be replaced. However, it is important to remember that nothing lasts forever and it is possible that the implant will need to be replaced after a certain period of time. Please note that special medical conditions or aesthetic defects require replacement. If everything is fine in these areas, why change anything!

Questions and answers about cruoplasty (shin arthroplasty)

Are the seams clearly visible after cruciate ligament surgery?

The scar forms within a year and is then perfectly hidden by the natural wrinkle line. This way the seam will be practically invisible.

Will I need to wear compression garments and how much?

The answer is clearly yes. The compression stockings should be worn for at least two weeks without removing them (they should only be removed for hygienic purposes). After this time, the stockings can be removed at night for another two weeks.

Can ciroplasty correct lower limb asymmetry?

Generally, yes. In most cases, asymmetry can be corrected through surgery. Of course, it is not possible to achieve a 100%ige result, but all patients are satisfied with the work performed and rate the result obtained as excellent. Even if the asymmetry is not completely corrected, it is not visually noticeable.

Preparing for surgery

Knee arthroplasty involves a number of procedures - preparation for surgery, medical consultations and physical examinations usually begin a month before the scheduled date of surgery.

Preparatory and diagnostic tests include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG) and urine tests.

The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia or epidural anesthesia.

During the procedure, the orthopedist removes the damaged cartilage and bone and then inserts a new metal or plastic implant to restore alignment and function to the knee joint.

recovery

After knee replacement surgery, you will stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days, depending on your recovery. You will have pain after surgery, but the day after surgery, medical staff will encourage patients to get up and try to walk, usually with help. It is important that you follow the rehabilitation instructions.

Physiotherapeutic treatments serve to strengthen the knee joint. They can be painful, but significantly reduce the risk of future complications.

Patients who are not treated at home may need to stay in the hospital longer.

Preparing for surgery

Before the corpectomies, an initial selection of the size and shape of the implants is made. For this purpose, the doctor consults a plastic surgeon to determine the structure of the lower leg, take measurements and select the most suitable prosthesis. The patient's wishes are also taken into account. The implants are ordered on the day of the operation.

Proper fit is very important to avoid complications such as: B. the prosthesis protruding from the contours of the lower leg (which often occurs with large implants). In this case, another operation is required.

Types of implants

Depending on the defect in the lower extremity, the following types of implants are used:

The muscles contract when walking, which changes the shape of the lower leg. The implants used in the operation are flexible, but still have a strictly defined shape. When selecting it, muscle contractions are taken into account so that the prosthesis can adapt to the changing shape of the muscle.

Modular tibial prosthesis - the key to a healthy lifestyle

After a leg amputation or a congenital defect, it is difficult to lead a normal life without a high-quality prosthesis. If you lose your leg or another limb, you can benefit from modern aids – modular shin prostheses. With them you can completely replace the functionality of your leg, perform simple activities and even play sports.

You can buy a lower leg prosthesis at the Tellus specialist center. We are professionals with more than 20 years of experience in prosthetic and orthopedic care.

Modular tibial prosthesis - a durable and reliable prosthesis for everyone.

Prosthesis technology is developing rapidly, and the modular lower leg prosthesis is now a very effective and cost-effective option. It is characterized by the fact that it consists of prefabricated components - in fact, the device resembles a construction kit with functional and adaptable components.

The device is tailored to the needs of the patient. It adapts to the size, individual parameters, functional properties and fit of the patient's residual limb.

A sophisticated adjustment and connection mechanism makes it possible to 'adapt' the lower leg prosthesis to the needs of the patient. The height is precisely adjustable so that you can adapt the prosthesis to your gait.

The lower leg prosthesis makes the device not only safe and protected, but also cosmetically appealing. This ensures that the leg is not noticeable and the surface of the prosthesis is modeled on human skin.

The construction of the prosthesis requires careful adjustment. It consists of several mechanisms - a shaft that is attached to the residual limb using a vacuum, an adapter, a knee unit, various models and a foot. This usually includes an outer shell that simulates the natural look of the leg.

Advantages of a high-quality modular prosthesis:

  • Stabilizes and keeps the person on their feet and helps them walk in all conditions.
  • Suitable for use at home or in public places.
  • It has the appearance of a natural leg.
  • Can be used in all temperatures and humidity levels, including rain.
  • Equipped with a range of features to facilitate a variety of tasks, work activities, sports and lifestyle normalization.
  • The price of the lower leg prosthesis is affordable and low, depending on which components are chosen for the manufacture of the product.
  • It is made of stainless steel, aluminum or titanium.

When is it used?

A toenail or fingernail prosthesis corrects aesthetic problems caused by certain illnesses or accidental injuries. It helps eliminate psychological discomfort, shyness and unnecessary questions from others.

  • Onycholysis (detachment of the nail plate from the nail bed);
  • Fungal infection (onychomycosis), when a large part of the nail plate had to be cleaned;
  • Reinforcement, additional stabilization of the nail plate in case of nail splitting, brittleness;
  • Loss of part of the nail due to trauma;
  • Nail plate deformations (ingrowth, twisting, spoon position);
  • the need to overcome the distal nail bed (a condition in which the skin around the free edge becomes rough and it is difficult for the nail to overcome this barrier for further longitudinal growth).

Treatment is also aimed at protecting the bald part of the nail bed from nail trauma, restoring temporarily lost functions and correcting the direction of nail growth (replacing an ingrown nail).

Such protection is particularly important for women's hands. After cleaning the fungal area and removing part of the nail plate, the nail bed, for example, is exposed. Because it contains many nerve endings, the scraped area is very sensitive to any touch. You need to be careful when washing your hands, cooking, changing clothes, or doing other household chores. Protecting the nail bed with an artificial material helps to eliminate unpleasant sensations, perform simple tasks or hide your hands from others.

Advantages of nail prosthetics

Should you do the treatment or not? Before answering this question, you should know the benefits. According to experience reports, artificial nails hardly differ visually from natural nails. They can be painted, decorated with rhinestones or other decorative elements. They look natural and are comfortable to wear.

The prostheses do not weigh down the plate and have good elasticity. It makes it easier to regrow even, strong nails. Placed on the toes, it does not cause problems when walking as it has cushioning properties.

Nail prosthetics is safe, quick and painless. It prevents soft tissue damage, protects the nail bed from trauma and stress and preserves tactile sensation. If materials with fungicidal components are used, this reliably protects against fungal infections.

Do I have to stay in the intensive care unit after the operation?

As a rule, the patient remains in the intensive care unit of the trauma unit after the operation. Just a few hours after the operation, you will be able to move around independently with the help of a walking aid or crutches. A postoperative stay in the intensive care unit is rarely required due to serious comorbidities.

The most important method of preventing thrombosis is to get the patient back on his feet early. To prevent thromboembolic complications, special anticoagulant medications are used and should be taken for several weeks after the operation. In addition to pharmacotherapy, it is advisable to wear a compression stocking for up to six weeks in the postoperative period. The use of knitted compression stockings is preferable to elastic bandages. Early patient activation and physical therapy are also important.

When can I get up after surgery?

You will be able to get up and walk as soon as you regain full feeling in your leg (usually 5 to 6 hours after surgery). When you first get up, you will be supported by our physiotherapist or the nurse on duty.

On the day of the operation you can already take steps on the operated leg. Crutches or other aids are only used to prevent falls. In general, it is recommended that you do not use additional supports for more than 4 weeks after surgery. If the patient feels safe enough, it can be dispensed with earlier.

You can discuss these and other questions in detail with your doctor. You can also find some answers in the package insert.

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