At Top Ihilov Clinic, various congenital pathologies are treated, including achondroplasia – a condition that is 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 therapy methods allow for an improved quality of life for patients, enabling 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% accurate diagnostic studies, pediatricians and orthopedists can select the most optimal therapy method and predict its effectiveness. The techniques allow for 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 disorders lead to deviations such as spinal canal stenosis, myelopathy, and hydrocephalus. Possible developments include strabismus, otitis, hearing loss, and respiratory failure. A frequent occurrence 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. Special gymnastics and massage are conducted for this purpose, and some patients are recommended to wear special orthopedic shoes. Since achondroplasia is often accompanied by obesity, a special plan of action (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. Research has 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 height 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; they strengthen the spine and prevent further curvature with the most gentle treatment. Thus, the surgical intervention is performed through small incisions in the area of the pathology, without extensive 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 Top Ihilov 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 an endoscopic operation, recovery time is minimal.
- For Limb Deformation, 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 afterward. At Top Ihilov Clinic, the surgery is performed by highly qualified and experienced orthopedic surgeons.
- To Restore Normal Bone Length, a limb lengthening operation may also be performed. Generally, 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 Deformation, surgeries to install special plates are performed.
- 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 escape and preventing stagnation in the middle ear.
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 disease 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 undergo regular special examinations so that doctors can monitor the dynamics of their growth and development and timely notice deviations to prevent severe complications.
At Top Ihilov 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 require 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 scan
- 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 assembles 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, expresses 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 an application form on the website and attach copies of medical documents. After the application is submitted, a representative from Top Ihilov will contact the patient shortly to agree on 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 Treatment for Achondroplasia in Israel
The prices for treating achondroplasia 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 Ihilov
- Extensive experience and high professionalism of the clinic's doctors.
- Selection of the most modern and innovative treatments.
- The most gentle therapy methods.
- Moderate cost.
- No visa regime with Israel.