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The
New York Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction
The
New York Institute for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction (NYILLAR)
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 NYILLAR is simple: To improve function;
decrease disability; and prevent, or at least forestall, arthritis
in children.
 Limb
abnormalities in children and adults require a high level of expertise
to achieve the best possible outcome. The development of NYILLAR
was a logical response to the increasing number of limb deformity
cases in the New York Tri-state area, including:
Congenital
Blount’s Disease
Bow Legged
Knock Kneed
Limb shortening and lengthening
Traumatic acquired deformities
Achondroplasia
Fibular Hemimelia
Tibia Hemimelia
Radial Club Hand
PFFD
Congenital Short Femur
Limb lengthenings
are being safely 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 are 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 these patients. Individualized
plans are designed to best fit each patient’s needs. Some
include:
Taylor
Spatial Frame
Open reduction of hip
Monolateral fixator
Lengthening with a rod
Distraction Osteogenesis: A process in which the bone
is cut during surgery and slowly distracted, allowing for new
bone to form in the lengthened space between the cut bone ends.
External fixators: A frame attached to the outside of
a limb, using pins and wires. Used to treat complex deformities,
the frame is gradually adjusted until the shape and length of
the leg are corrected.
Intramedullary lengthening rods
Both lengthening
and correction over a rod within the bone with an external fixator
is possible. Recently, new rods that self lengthen and avoid external
fixators are becoming available.
A non-noticeable
limb deformity maybe be Hip Dysplasia. The failure of formation
of a deep socket is quite common especially in women and can be
treated if detected early.
The Institute
consists of orthopaedic surgeons from the Hospital for Joint Diseases
and NYU Medical Center. The combined experience of the Institute’s
surgeons is unparalleled in the New York metropolitan area. A
team -- consisting of orthopaedic surgeons, anesthesiologists,
pain management doctors, pediatricians and nurses -- helps to
ensure that patients receive the best care possible for their
complex conditions.
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