At the Top Ichilov Clinic, various congenital pathologies are treated, including achondroplasia – a condition diagnosed at birth. Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the pathology, doctors correct its manifestations: they eliminate defects in bones, the spine, and dysfunctions in the work of internal organs and systems. Modern therapeutic methods improve the quality of life for patients, allowing them to live as fully as possible.
When choosing a treatment method, the patient's age and overall condition are taken into account. Thanks to 100% reliable diagnostic studies, pediatricians and orthopedists can choose the most optimal therapy method and predict its effectiveness. The techniques allow for the correction of bones and the spine with minimal trauma. Using conservative therapy, it is possible to slightly increase the patient's height and prevent further deformation of the limbs. Physiotherapy is widely used in treatment.
Treatment Methods for Achondroplasia in Israel
The choice of therapy depends on the patient's age and the type of complications caused by the disease. A common symptom of achondroplasia is growth retardation and disproportion of the limbs relative to the torso. These skeletal growth disturbances lead to deviations such as spinal canal stenosis, myelopathy, and hydrocephalus. Possible developments include strabismus, otitis, hearing loss, and respiratory failure. A common phenomenon in achondroplasia is kyphosis, curvature of the limbs and spine. Due to weak muscle tone, there is a delay in the development of fine motor skills.
Conservative Therapy. When the patient is still young, therapy is prescribed to strengthen muscle tissues and prevent the appearance of deformities in the limbs and spine. This includes special gymnastics and massage; some patients are recommended to wear special orthopedic shoes. Since achondroplasia is often accompanied by obesity, a special plan of activities (diet, physical exercises, etc.) is developed to prevent excessive weight gain.
To prevent the occurrence of otitis, children are prescribed special treatment. The intake of medications may be quite prolonged.
Hormonal Therapy. In the first year of the child's life, a course of hormone therapy is conducted. Studies have shown that the intake of hormonal medications positively affects the child's growth and development. Those children who received such treatment subsequently lagged significantly less in growth compared to their peers, and in some cases even caught up with them in height.
Surgical Treatment. Depending on the observed complication, various types of surgeries may be performed.
- For Kyphosis, a surgery to stabilize the vertebrae is performed. Progressive methods of spinal fusion such as Spinal Fusion or ApiFix may be used, which strengthen the spine and prevent further curvature with the least invasive treatment. Thus, the surgical intervention is carried out through small incisions in the area of the pathology, without large tissue dissection. The Spinal Fusion method involves implanting devices that connect the vertebrae, while the ApiFix method involves connecting the vertebrae using a special structure.
- For Spinal Canal Stenosis, a laminectomy is performed – excision of the spinal canal to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. Whenever possible, surgeons at the Top Ichilov Clinic use an endoscopic method for the operation, which involves making a very small incision through which surgical instruments and a camera for image transmission are inserted. This method allows for surgery with minimal tissue trauma and a low percentage of blood loss. After endoscopic surgery, recovery time is minimal.
- For Limb Deformities, an osteotomy is performed. The surgeon cuts the deformed bone, positions it correctly, and stitches the muscles and skin. Although this type of surgery is quite traumatic, osteotomy is indicated for pronounced curvatures and allows the patient to move normally and feel much more comfortable psychologically. At the Top Ichilov Clinic, the surgery is performed by highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeons.
- To Restore Normal Bone Length, a limb lengthening surgery may also be performed. Typically, both paired limbs need to be lengthened, so the surgical intervention occurs in two stages. In the first stage, the doctor lengthens the thigh on one leg and the shin on the other, then the operation is repeated on the other shin and thigh.
- For Jaw Deformities, surgeries are performed to install special plates.
- If Frequent Purulent Otitis Threatens Deafness, doctors perform surgery to install drainage in the middle ear. This drainage is placed for a long time, up to a year, allowing pus to exit and preventing stagnation in the middle ear.
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Diagnosis
Achondroplasia is diagnosed immediately after the child is born, as the disease has pronounced external manifestations. It is now also possible to diagnose the condition in an unborn baby, which is recommended for anyone with a family history of achondroplasia, as this disease is caused by a genetic mutation and can be inherited.
A child with achondroplasia must regularly undergo special examinations so that doctors can monitor the dynamics of their growth and development and timely notice deviations to prevent severe complications.
At the Top Ichilov Clinic, a complete examination takes no more than three days.
First Day
Upon arriving at the clinic, the patient and their companions immediately go for an examination and consultation with an orthopedist. It is also possible that the patient will need consultations with a surgeon, pediatrician, pulmonologist, or dentist. A translator is present at the consultation (if the doctor does not speak Russian).
Second Day
All necessary examinations are conducted on this day. Depending on the doctor's orders, the following types of diagnostics may be performed:
- MRI of the brain
- CT
- X-ray
- Blood and urine tests
If surgical treatment is recommended for the patient, additional types of diagnostics may be assigned.
Third Day
The attending physician receives the diagnostic results and gathers a medical council, which includes all specialists involved in the treatment. They jointly decide which therapy plan is most appropriate in this case. After the council, treatment can begin immediately.
Some patients prefer not to travel to Israel but to receive a consultation via Skype. This service is called "second opinion." During the video consultation, the orthopedist reviews the diagnosis made in the patient's home country and the prescribed treatment, expressing their opinion on its effectiveness and appropriateness. The doctor also offers an alternative therapy option that they believe will be more successful. Since video consultations are conducted by the most experienced and knowledgeable doctors, their opinions are respected by their colleagues from other clinics and countries. To order a "second opinion," one must fill out a request form on the website and attach copies of medical documents. After submitting the request, a representative from Top Ichilov will contact the patient shortly to arrange a convenient time for the consultation. Upon subsequent arrival for treatment at the clinic, the first in-person consultation for the patient will be provided free of charge.
Cost of Achondroplasia Treatment in Israel
Prices for achondroplasia treatment in Israel are significantly lower than in clinics in other countries, such as the USA, France, Austria, and Germany. The price difference can reach 30-50%. When forming the price, factors such as the amount of medication needed, the type of surgery, and the procedures required for the patient are taken into account.
Advantages of Treatment at Top Ichilov
- Extensive experience and high professionalism of the clinic's doctors.
- Selection of the most modern and innovative treatments.
- The most gentle methods of therapy.
- Moderate cost.
- No visa requirements with Israel.