Inclusion of calf implants for the correction of lower limb amyotrophy

BACKGROUND: Lower limb amyotrophy is a serious deformity that is often disabling and causes esthetic problems such as asymmetries and changes in the shape and contour of the legs. The present study evaluated the use of silicone implants for the correction of lower limb amyotrophy. METHODS: Women who underwent surgical correction of lower limb amyotrophy with silicone implants between 2002 and 2009 at the Plastic Surgery Service of Instituto Ivo Pitanguy at the 38th Nursing Service of Santa Casa da Misericórdia, Rio de Janeiro and at their associated services were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Five cases were studied and the results were retrospectively assessed. Follow-up ranged from 3 months to 2 years after surgery until the last postoperative visit. In 4 of 5 patients, the desired result was obtained after a single surgical procedure, and no patient developed capsular contracture, compartment syndrome, circulatory disorders, neurological disorders, or infections. CONCLUSIONS: Calf augmentation in patients with lower limb amyotrophy did not correct the associated functional deficit, but resulted in a high level of satisfaction with regard to the esthetic improvement of the limb, thus improving the quality of life of these patients.