When to see an orthopedist
An exam makes sense when you notice a change in the shape or length of your legs, or when that shape limits you in daily life. The most common reasons patients come to us are:
- bow legs, when the knees do not touch while the feet are together
- knock knees, when the feet do not touch while the knees are together
- a difference in leg length, either congenital or following a fracture
- the wish to gain height through leg lengthening
- knee and hip pain caused by uneven load on the joints
- a fracture that did not heal properly, a malunion or a nonunion
What the exam includes
The exam starts with a conversation about your symptoms and what you want to achieve. A clinical examination follows, standing and lying down, with measurement of the axis and length of the legs.
If imaging is needed for the assessment, we have a digital X-ray in the hospital, so everything is done in one place. Based on the findings, the doctor explains which correction is possible, how the procedure works and what you can realistically expect.
You leave the exam with a clear plan and a written report, with no obligation to decide right away.
Who leads the treatment
Leg corrections and lengthening at Medical Time are performed by Dr Alexander Artemiev, a specialist in reconstructive and aesthetic leg surgery and in complex fractures and their consequences.
In 2001 he created a classification of leg shapes that distinguishes an ideal shape from true and false curvature and serves as the basis for planning a correction. In 2003 he defended his doctoral thesis on the correction of leg shape and length in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He is the author of research and professional papers in the field.
He holds both the consultations and the operations here, so the same doctor guides you through the entire process, from the first exam to the removal of the apparatus.
The Ilizarov method
The correction is performed using the Ilizarov method, applied worldwide since the 1950s. After a controlled cut of the bone, an external apparatus moves the segments apart very gradually, and the body fills the new space with fresh bone tissue of its own.
This is why the method can both straighten and lengthen the legs, without implants. The movement is very slow, in small steps through the day, so bone, nerves and blood vessels have time to adapt.
How much correction is possible, how long the apparatus stays on and what the recovery plan looks like in your case is decided by the doctor at the exam, based on imaging and your goals.
The patient journey
The process is the same for patients from Serbia and from abroad:
- a free consultation at the hospital, or a remote consultation based on images you send
- preparation before surgery: laboratory tests, imaging and an anaesthesiologist review at our hospital
- surgery and hospital accommodation during the first days of recovery
- the period of wearing the apparatus, with regular checks and exercise instructions
- removal of the apparatus and follow up until full recovery
Price of the orthopedic exam
The orthopedic consultation at Medical Time is free, both for local patients and for those coming from abroad. It gives you an assessment, a plan and an estimate for the whole treatment before you commit to anything.
To book a free consultation call 062-399-888.
Frequently asked questions about the orthopedic exam
Yes. Medical Time does not charge for the orthopedic exam or the treatment plan. You only pay for additional tests if they are needed, and for the surgery itself if you decide to go ahead.
No referral is needed. If you have earlier imaging or reports, bring them along, as they speed up the assessment. If you do not, imaging can be done here the same day, since the hospital has a digital X-ray.
In true curvature the axis of the bone itself is bent, so it is corrected surgically. In false curvature the bones are straight and the impression of curvature comes from the distribution of soft tissue. The two are told apart at the exam and on imaging, and this determines whether surgery is the right answer at all.
Yes. The first conversation is often held remotely, based on images and photographs you send, and travel is planned only once it is clear what is needed. We also arrange transport to the hospital and accommodation during treatment.
No. The purpose of the exam is to give you accurate information and a plan. You decide when you are ready, and we remain available for further questions.
The surgery is performed by Dr Alexander Artemiev, who also holds the consultations. The same doctor follows the patient through the entire process, from the exam to the removal of the apparatus.