Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

How many limb lengthening procedures have you performed?

How many specifically for stature/cosmetic lengthening (vs. medical)?

What adverse events do you track, with what denominator, follow-up period, and classification?

Are you fellowship-trained in limb lengthening and reconstruction?

Can you provide before/after X-ray examples of similar cases?

Which device(s) do you use, and why this device for my case?

What is the device's current regulatory and recall status, exact model, and written loading limit?

What amount are you proposing, why, and which findings would make you slow, pause, or stop?

Do you use blocking screws? How do you prevent axial deviation?

What is your protocol if the nail fails to distract?

Can I receive a dated, itemized written quote with exclusions, currency, tax, and payment terms?

Are later hardware procedures included, conditional, or billed separately?

Who pays for extra visits, admission, imaging, rehabilitation, or revision if the plan changes?

Which clinical milestones must be met before I can leave the surgical center?

Do you offer video follow-up for remote patients?

What does your physical therapy protocol look like?

Is PT included in the price, or arranged separately?

Which clinical and imaging milestones allow a change in loading or walking aids?

Which separate criteria govern driving, work, impact exercise, and sport?

What is your protocol if ROM targets are not being met?

Which problems, obstacles, complications, reoperations, and unresolved outcomes occur in your own comparable cases?

How do you handle premature consolidation?

What is your approach if a nerve issue develops?

What is the exact daytime, after-hours, and local emergency pathway after surgery?