The New York Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction provides state-of-the-art techniques in a setting for children and adults with limb length inequalities and upper and lower extremity deformities.  The goal of the institute is simple:  to improve function, decrease disability, and prevent or at least delay arthritis in children.

The institute consists of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons from NYU Langone Medical Center's Hospital for Joint Diseases.  The combined experience of the institute's surgeons is unparalleled in the New York metropolitan area.  A team consisting of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pain management doctors, pediatricians, and nurses help ensure that patients receive the best care possible for their complex conditions.

Limb abnormalities in children and adults require a high level of expertise to achieve the best possible outcome.  The development of the institute was a logical response to the increasing number of limb deformity cases in the New York Tri-State area, including:

• Congenital limb deformity
• Blount's Disease
• Bow legged
• Knock kneed
• Limb shortening and lengthening
• Traumatic acquired deformities
• Achondroplasia
• Fibular Hemimelia
• Tibia Hemimelia
• Radial Club Hand
• Proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD)
• Congenital short femur
• Hip dysplasia

Limb lengthenings are being safetly performed for numerous conditions including limb length inequality, infection, or dwarfism.  The problems associated with lengthening have been minimized with the use of physical therapy and the latest techniques including computerized lengthening and lengthening with a rod. 

Limb deformities can be congenital, developmental, or acquired.  Congenital deformities exist at or before birth and are commonly referred to as birth defects.  Common congenital deformities include shortened or abnormally shaped limbs.  Developmental deformities surface later in childhood.  These include Blount's Disease and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.  The abnormality is classified as an acquired limb deformity when it results from a fracture, infection, arthritis, or tumor. 

Each type of deformity may be treated differently and uniquely.  Treatment features a computerized deformity analysis, as well as a hands-on approach to the overall care of the child.  Individualized plans are designed to best fid each patient's needs.  Some include:

• Taylor Spatial Frame
• Open reduction of the hip
• Monolateral fixator
• Lengthening with a rod
• Distraction osteogenesis
• External fixators
• Intramedullary lengthening rods

Both lengthening and correction of a rod within the bone with an external fixator is possible.  Recently, new rods that self lengthen and avoid external fixators have become available.