The
calves are stunted to incomplete development of the three muscles (one deep
and two superficial) that give her shapely leg. To correct this muscular hypertrophy,
the surgeon makes up in depth, an elongated implant, in frost of silicone.
Implants
The
implants were originally designed to treat the sequelae of the poliomyelitis.
There are different lengthes (from 12 to 20 cm) and thicknesses. They adapt
to the anatomy of each leg and recreate a harmony between the volume and profile
of the thigh, knee and ankle. The location of the implant is crucial for a
good cosmetic result, but also it does not move and then he does not see-through
under the skin. For proper positioning, the surgeon performs the first
marks on the skin in an upright position before making the patient lie on
his stomach. The implants are then implemented through a small incision of
3 cm placed in a hollow behind the knee. Depending on the volume to corrected,
he uses one or two implants, and so they are very stable, it puts them deep
under muscles. The scar, very discreet, becomes nearly invisible after five
or six months.
The
operation
The operation lasts an hour under local or general anesthesia, and ends with
the establishment of adhesive tape that must be worn for four weeks under
stocking. The hospitalization lasts a day and night. The pain gradually fades
during the first week, giving way to a feeling of discomfort that persists
a few days.
The
result is immediate if it is somewhat distorted because of the oedema which
resolves completely after only six weeks. The result must reduce its activities,limit
his travel during the week following the operation and avoid sports for at
least six weeks. Several visits are necessary control : after ten days to
three weeks, then every two months for six months and finally, to eighteen
months. The main risk is phlebitis.
Also
the stockings are indispensable during hospitalization, as well as massage
of the calves during the operation and anticoagulants for fifteen days. The
displacement of prosthesis are rare if they were implemented by an experienced
surgeon. however, this can occur when the patient appears careless or too
eager to resume a normal life.
The
results
The results are excellent and are very popular, especially when one has suffered
from unusually skinny legs on which neither sticky nor do boots stood and
demanded the constant wearing of trousers. However, it is important that this
operation was fully justified.
Prosthetic legs
