Queensbury teenager undergoes limb lengthening operation

QUEENSBURY, NY (NEWS10) – A Queensbury teenager has just undergone what will likely be his last corrective surgery for limb lengthening. He had undergone a series of surgeries over the past decade.

Kory Kosinski suffers from achondroplasia – the most common form of dwarfism. The procedures he underwent, which include the installation of external and internal equipment to lengthen the bones, were not necessary but they gave him the opportunity to live an independent life.

“It's wonderful now that I'm almost to the finish line. I can’t wait to be finished and finally be able to enjoy my life without having to worry about surgeries now,” Kosinski said.

If Kosinski had not undergone the surgeries, he would have needed help changing clothes and with personal hygiene. He now wants to inspire and educate others by sharing his journey.

Kosinski and his family returned to Albany Friday after his latest surgery. NEWS10 spoke with one of his doctors.

“Limb lengthening techniques have been around for decades. Technology has changed, so the way we do this is a little different than in the past,” said Dr. Craig Robbins.

Kosinski travels to the Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute in Florida for the procedures. His mother, Shirley Kosinski, said she couldn't find an orthopedic surgeon in the Capital Region who would do it. She said the surgeons here called it medieval.

“I think it's easy to say something on a topic that you may not have complete information about,” Dr. Robbins said. “I don’t think it’s medieval. I think it's actually quite cutting edge and the techniques we're using today are even ones we didn't have five or ten years ago.

Kory said he was not bullied by kids at school, but rather online bullying that he and his mother experienced on the NEWS10 Facebook post when it last aired of its history.

“I just want them to know that I've been through so much and it's all my decision. My parents don't force me to do this. I wanted to do this since I was little, like always since the first surgery, it was all my choice,” Kory said. He shared this message for the bullies. “Learn more about this disease and see what I have to go through to fit in and be able to continue my usual daily life. »

Kosinski will begin physical therapy in 8 to 10 weeks. Kory wants to inspire others to seek out this type of treatment, he said it has been life-changing in all the best ways.

“You have the choice to choose yes or no, but if you want to have a better lifestyle and be able to achieve things and live better overall, you can always have that option,” Kosinski said.

He would have been about 4 feet tall, now he's 5 feet 5 inches tall. Her goal is to start school this fall. Kosinski turns 16 on June 28 and he can't wait to practice driving.