After reading some of the diaries I notice references to something called sandbagging. Visually so far I have seen a pic in the diary of ShootingFor6 with sandbags on top of his leg braces.
They are referenced in my diary, and Mysteryman's diary too.
Question 1: What is the purpose of sandbagging when the leg braces (ilizarov devices) are on?
The purpose of sandbagging is to straighten a leg that has flexum problems (inability for the muscles and tendons to straighten) due to over-lengthening or lengthening too fast.
Soft tissues grow more slowly than bone, so when people lengthen the bone too fast, it leads to this problem.
Question 2: What is the purpose of sandbagging post-op, when only the internal braces are present?
Exactly the same as in the previous answer.
My rationale so far is that the new bone formation in the femur is so soft we actually see the femur bending. But the internal braces/nails are supposed to prevent that. . .
I have no idea what that sentence is meant to mean? I think that you confused yourself. Bones cannot bend, especially when they have metal inside them!
Please read the FAQs and diaries - this is covered extensively.
