Frequently Asked Questions
 
Here you will find answers to questions that we are repeatedly confronted with or that we think would be interesting for you to receive an answer to.
 
Should your specific question not be included please do no hesitate to contact us. We are gladly willing to extend the question catalogue and gratefully welcome any suggestions you may have.
Contact
 
Leg Lenthening
 
How much can I gain?
 
The amount of gain depends on the device used. Patients are able to gain up to 10 cm. or 4 inches with one operation.
 
What is the best device?
 
Devices are chosen specifically for each patient’s condition and needs. Patients should have a consultation with Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz in order to find out what device is best for them.
 
How long will the whole process take?
 
The length of the process depends on the patients gain. Please refer to the time frame of the 6 step procedure.
 
Is the lengthening phase painful?
 
Most patients experience some form of pain ranging from mild discomfort to strong muscle tension. Pain is managed with medicine prescribed by Prof. Dr. Betz.
 
How much should I gain?
 
The amount of gain varies from patient to patient based on individual goals. During the lengthening patients are in complete control of their rate of growth and can stop whenever they want.
 
How safe is the procedure?
 
Limb lengthening with an internal device by Prof. Dr. Betz is a minimally invasive surgery in which small incisions are made near the bone entry to avoid any muscle or tissue damage. It is important for patients to know that limb lengthening is a routine operation for Prof. Dr. Betz
 
Do I have to use a wheelchair?
 
No, The preferred internal distraction device by Prof. Dr. Betz allows for complete weight bearing so patients can stand and walk with crutches by the second day after the surgery.
 
When can I walk without crutches?
 
When the consolidation of the bone is finished (consolidation time varies from each patient, approx. 6-10 weeks consolidation phase)
 
How long will I be in the hospital?
 
Patients typically stay in the hospital for 6 – 10 days.
 
Can I lengthen femurs and tibias?
 
Yes, Prof. Dr. Betz can lengthen both bone regions.
 
Can I lengthen femurs and tibias at the same time?
 
Prof. Dr. Betz was the first surgeon in the world to lengthen both regions simultaneously, however he does not recommended this for cosmetic cases.
 
How much physical therapy will I have to do?
 
The amount of physical therapy depends on the gain, function, and flexibility of each patient.
 
How many cosmetic limb lengthenings does Prof. Dr. Betz procedure?
 
Prof. Dr. Betz performs around 60 – 90 cosmetic limb lengthenings each year.
 
Hip Replacement
 
What is a hip-TEP?
 
TEP is the abbreviation for Total-Endo-Prosthesis. That means the total complete replacement of a particular physical structure (hip) with an artificial element (prosthesis), which takes over the function of the removed structure and is implanted into (endo = inside) the body.
 
How long do I have to stay in hospital?
 
The average amount of rest in a hospital constitutes 10 days.
 
Is it sensible to do rehabilitation afterwards? If yes, how does it work?
 
Rehabilitative measures afterwards belong to the standard course of action. It is absolutely necessary and sensible. During your hospitalization we will make the appropriate application with your health insurance scheme. Patients can choose the location of the rehabilitation centre, whereas many patients choose a centre close to home.
 
When does an artificial hip replacement make sense?
 
When the hip joint causes severe pain during day-to-day movement, even when resting. Initially we can try to alleviate the pain through weight loss, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication. Also physical and naturopathic methods such as they are practiced in the Martinsmühle Therapy Centre can be helpful. From a certain stage onwards though the artificial hip replacement is the only sensible alternative!
 
I already have an artificial hip but I still suffer from pain? What can I do?
 
In order to provide an answer to this the cause of the pain must be established. Only then a further course of action can be determined. In order to establish the cause of the pain please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
 
General
 
Does Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz treat patients who are insured in a statutory health insurance scheme?
 
Yes, without reservations!
 
Do I have to pay a practice fee or is the treatment with Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz connected with special extra charges?
 
Treatment by Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz is no different to that provided by other registered physicians pertaining to insurance and/or administrative aspects and conform along with guidelines of every respective health insurance scheme. Services, which are not covered by the insurance schemes, must be paid. However all patients are informed about this in advance.
 
I am interested in a treatment by Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz! What happens now?
 
Under contact you will find the necessary information you will need in order to get in touch with us and/or to make an appointment. Please note that Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz has no fixed consulting hours and works exclusively according to prior appointments!
 
Which documents should I bring along to the first appointment?
 
Basically all prior findings are useful, however unimportant they may seem (doctors letters, x-rays, laboratory findings etc), as they may contain important indications and help to prevent the same examination being done twice.
 
Is it possible to ask Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz for a second opinion?
 
Yes, without exceptions! If so, please bring all the existing findings, x-rays, laboratory findings and other medical documents along with you.
 
I have to have an operation! What happens now?
 
Basically all patients receive a thorough examination and briefing by Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz before every operation. He checks to see if the operation is necessary and if yes, which kind of operation. What happens after that we will then discuss with you in a personal consultation. If you have questions in advance please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us via e-mail (see contact).
 
I am sceptical as far as naturopathic healing is concerned! Are natural healing methods such as provided in the Martinsmühle Therapy Centre part of the standard programme or does Prof. Dr. med. Betz even regards them as obligatory?
 
No! In the first place Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz treats his patients according to up-to-date orthodox medically warranted guidelines. If, after he has completed his examination, he finds it usefull to ask Dr. med. Zimmermann for a second opinion and the patient agrees he will invite him to join. According to the result of the examination Dr. med. Zimmermann will then make a recommendation for further course of action e.g. a natural healing method. All patients can then decide for or against a therapy of their choice.