Pain Beliefs and Functional Performance After Cosmetic Limb Lengthening Using the Lengthening Over Nail (LON) Technique
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Postoperative Functional and Pain Assessment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Postoperative Pain After Limb Lengthening, Limb Lengthening. Basic parameters: 20 years — 50 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Investigation of the Relationship Between Pain Beliefs, Pain Intensity, and Functional Performance in Individuals Undergoing Cosmetic Limb Lengthening Using the Lengthening Over Nail (LON) Technique: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study
Overview
This pilot observational study aims to examine the relationship between pain beliefs, pain intensity, and functional performance in individuals who have undergone cosmetic lower limb lengthening surgery using the Lengthening Over Nail (LON) technique. Seventeen healthy male participants aged between 20 and 50 years who have undergone bilateral lower limb lengthening with the LON method will be included in the study. All evaluations will be performed during a face-to-face clinical visit at the fourth postoperative week. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Pain beliefs will be evaluated using the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire. Functional performance will be measured with the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The study aims to better understand how patients' beliefs about pain may influence their perceived pain level and physical performance after cosmetic limb lengthening surgery. Findings may contribute to improving postoperative rehabilitation planning and patient management.
Detailed description
This study is designed as a descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study. The objective is to investigate the relationship between pain beliefs, pain intensity, and functional performance in individuals who have undergone cosmetic bilateral lower limb lengthening surgery using the Lengthening Over Nail (LON) technique.
Background: Cosmetic limb lengthening procedures have increasingly been performed not only for limb length discrepancy but also for aesthetic purposes. Although the surgical technique has advanced over time, postoperative functional outcomes and psychological factors influencing recovery require further investigation. Pain beliefs, which may include both organic and psychological components, can influence pain perception, coping strategies, and physical performance during rehabilitation.
Participants: Individuals aged between 20 and 50 years who have undergone bilateral lower limb lengthening surgery with the LON technique and who have completed the early postoperative rehabilitation phase will be eligible. Participants with neurological, rheumatological, systemic diseases, major postoperative complications (e.g., infection, implant failure), or conditions limiting physical activity will be excluded.
Procedures: Participants will be invited for a face-to-face clinical evaluation at the fourth postoperative week. During this visit, the following assessments will be performed:
Demographic and clinical data collection (age, sex, body weight, external fixator distraction amount)
Pain intensity assessment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain beliefs assessment using the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire
Functional performance evaluation using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
All measurements will be conducted under standardized conditions and supervised by a physiotherapist.
Outcome Measures:
The primary outcomes are pain intensity (VAS score), pain beliefs (Pain Beliefs Questionnaire scores), and functional performance (6MWT distance). The study aims to determine whether significant relationships exist between pain beliefs and functional performance, as well as between pain intensity and physical capacity.
Significance:
Understanding the interaction between psychological factors and functional outcomes after cosmetic limb lengthening surgery may contribute to improving postoperative rehabilitation strategies and individualized patient management
Interventions
- Diagnostic test Postoperative Functional and Pain Assessment
This study does not administer any therapeutic intervention. Participants undergo standardized postoperative assessments at the fourth week after cosmetic lower limb lengthening surgery using the LON technique. Assessments include the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire for evaluation of pain-related cognitions, and the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) for functional performance measurement.
Primary outcome measures
- Pain Intensity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) [Time frame: Postoperative week 4]
Secondary outcome measures (1)
- Pain Beliefs Measured by Pain Beliefs Questionnaire (PBQ) [Time frame: Postoperative week 4]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Age between 20 and 50 years
- Underwent bilateral lower extremity cosmetic lengthening surgery using the LON (Lengthening Over Nail) technique
- Completed postoperative rehabilitation process
- Attending routine clinical follow-up at postoperative week 4
- Able to understand and complete questionnaires
- Provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- History of orthopedic surgery other than lower extremity lengthening
- Presence of neurological, rheumatologic, or systemic diseases affecting physical performance
- Postoperative complications such as infection, pseudoarthrosis, or implant failure
- Any condition preventing participation in physical assessment
- Incomplete clinical records
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-only
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07438821 · IAU-LON-PAIN-2026-01