With bilateral femoral lengthening, the patient is not able to walk during the lengthening phase. Standing is allowed for transfer only. Moving about is by wheelchair only during the lengthening phase. During the consolidation phase, more and more weight bearing is permitted, and near the time of removal, free walking is allowed. During bilateral tibial lengthening, the patient is allowed to bear weight from the start using a walker, crutches, or canes.
Longer trips are by wheelchair.
During bilateral humeral lengthening, there is almost no restriction of activities. Every 2 weeks during the lengthening, quantitative sensory nerve testing is conducted at the time of the checkup with the doctor. This allows the detection of impending nerve problems even before they are noticed clinically. Nerve problems usually present as referred pain to the foot during tibial lengthening. They are very uncommon with femoral or humeral lengthening.