FAQs About Limb Lengthening Surgery

In recent years, leg lengthening surgery has become an increasingly preferred method. Thanks to the possibilities offered by modern medicine, many people can achieve their desired height through this surgery. However, despite its growing popularity, there are still many details that are unknown and intriguing.

In this article, we will provide comprehensive information about the limb lengthening surgery process, clarifying aspects such as how the surgery is performed, the recovery process, potential complications that may be encountered, and important considerations. Additionally, we will provide detailed information about pre-surgery preparations, post-surgery care, and the rehabilitation process.

Through this article, readers will gain detailed knowledge about the steps before, during, and after the surgery, and find answers to their questions. If you have more questions, you can contact us via our WhatsApp line at 0531 988 30 90.

1. Who can undergo limb lengthening surgery?
   Limb lengthening surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at adults between the ages of 18 and 55, whose growth plates have closed and who biologically cannot gain any more height. Potential patients should undergo comprehensive health screenings conducted by our doctor to assess their suitability for the surgery. If our doctor confirms that the patient's health condition poses no risks for the surgery, detailed planning for the procedure is made.
2. How many centimeters can one gain through limb lengthening surgery?
   The amount of lengthening varies based on an individual's physical characteristics. Factors such as bone mineral density, muscle, and nerve flexibility are thoroughly assessed by our doctor during this process. Typically, the increase in height that can be achieved in a single surgery is set at a minimum of 6 cm, an average of 7 cm, and a maximum of 8 cm. In rare cases, due to the extra flexibility of a patient's body structure, an increase of up to 9 cm may be possible. Increasing the amount of lengthening can increase tension on muscles and nerves, potentially leading to damage. Therefore, maintaining safe limits of lengthening is our priority. A total increase of 12 to 16 cm can be achieved with two separate surgeries. However, a minimum of 5-6 months must pass after the first surgery, and it requires approval from the doctor before proceeding with a second operation.
3. Is there a lot of pain after the surgery?
   Leg lengthening surgery, compared to many other types of surgeries, has a relatively long and challenging recovery period, and it is entirely expected and normal for patients to experience pain during this process. However, the intensity of the pain varies from person to person, depending also on their pain threshold. While some patients report their pain as being at a normal level, others describe it as intense. At this point, our healthcare teams administer pain relievers appropriate to the current pain level of the patients.
4. What is the difference between the LON (Combined) and Precice 2 methods?
   Firstly, it should be noted that both methods are the same in terms of patient safety, bone lengthening amount, and duration of lengthening. However, the LON and Precice 2 methods differ in their application and materials used. For detailed information on this topic, you can read our article titled "What is The Difference Between Combined and Precice 2?" Briefly, patients who opt for the LON method have a fixator placed on their leg during surgery. The lengthening process is manually performed through an Allen key entry on this fixator. In the Precice 2 method, there is no external device on the leg. The lengthening is performed remotely using a magnetic internal nail located inside the leg.
5. Is it possible to walk during the lengthening process?
   During the lengthening process, our primary priority is to ensure that our patients can rest sufficiently and receive regular physiotherapy sessions. For the process to be successful, it is crucial that patients fully understand the potential effects of the lengthening on their mobility before deciding on the surgery. This way, patients are better prepared for the recovery process and can manage the changes they will experience after the surgery more effectively. Post-surgery, patients are provided with wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches. Patients who undergo surgery with the LON method can move with the help of a walker during the lengthening process in a way that does not strain themselves or put excessive load on their legs. However, patients who have undergone surgery with the Precice 2 method need to avoid putting weight on their legs during the lengthening process and should use a wheelchair to move around.
6. When is the fixator removed in the LON method?
   In patients treated with the LON method, the fixators on their legs are removed after the lengthening process is complete. Following the removal of the device, patients generally continue to walk with the aid of crutches and walkers for a period of 2 to 3 months. During this time, our doctor regularly checks X-rays every 20 days to closely monitor the bone healing process. After the period of assisted walking ends, patients gradually transition to walking unassisted with the doctor's approval. This transition is meticulously managed to ensure the recovery process progresses successfully and safely.
7. What is the recovery process like after leg lengthening surgery?
   Post-surgery, hospital stays last for five days during which patients begin their physical therapy and dressing changes. After the hospital stay, our patients can choose to stay at a hotel we have an agreement with or continue the lengthening process at their own homes. For those staying at home, physiotherapy specialists, nursing, and X-ray services are provided based on their location. The lengthening process typically lasts 2-3 months and occurs at a rate of 1 mm per day. Depending on the doctor's approval, 70 days are needed for 7 cm of lengthening, 80 days for 8 cm, and, rarely, 90 days for 9 cm. After the lengthening process is complete, patients who underwent surgery with the LON method will have an operation to remove the device. For those who underwent surgery with the Precice method, no immediate operation is necessary. After the lengthening process, it is recommended that patients walk with support (crutches, walker, and if necessary, a wheelchair) for about 2-3 months. During this period, an X-ray is taken every 15-20 days, and our doctor monitors the bone healing process. Once the bone healing is in a good state, the doctor approves walking without support. Patients can gradually return to their daily lives after receiving approval to walk unsupported. However, a full recovery and return to daily routines typically require 1 to 1.5 years until bone healing is complete.
8. Can sports be resumed after full bone consolidation?
   The timeline for full bone consolidation varies from person to person but generally takes about 1 to 1.5 years. Once consolidation is achieved, it means that patients have regained their previous bone health; therefore, they can return to their former sports routines. However, the most crucial point here is to return to these routines with the doctor's approval.

For other questions you may have about leg lengthening surgery, you can contact our patient representatives and follow our updated informational videos on our YouTube account.