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Limb Lengthening by Lengthening Over Nail (LON) – The Combined Method

Classical methods with an external fixator such as Ilizarov and Holyfix require a long period of external fixation until the full consolidation of bones. Patients must keep the device attached to their legs once the bones are completely strengthened. However, a shorter duration of external fixation has led to the development of new techniques such as Lengthening Over Nail (LON, also known as) the combined method. This brings out a huge advantage in terms of removing the external fixator earlier. For instance, patients only spend around 2 or 3 months with external devices of LON on their legs compared to 9 or 12 months in completely external methods such as Ilizarov and Holyfix. When compared to traditional lengthening treatments, a technique focused on offering better comfort and internal bracing for the regenerated bone should have a lower complication rate, as well as simplicity of application and cost-effectiveness. In addition to all of these, Holyfix and LON (The Combined Method) apparatus have such a superior design allowing the accelerated bone formation and transferring the burden from the bone without any shortening (Dynamization).

You can read our Lon vs Precice 2 article.

Components of Lengthening Over Nail (LON) – The Combined Method

External Fixator;

Its role is to be scaffolding outside of the leg. Stated in other words, it is a stabilizing frame made of strong metal to keep the bone stable during the lengthening period. Metal bars are attached to the bones with pins as can be seen from the picture below. The device is kept between two to three months depending on the desired height.

Intramedullary Nail;

Intramedullary nail or rod is used as internal fixation and is made of titanium alloy. The doctor decides the size of the nail by reviewing the X-ray images. (8,5 mm, 10,7 mm, 11,5 mm or 12,5 mm) During the operation, it is surgically embedded into the bone cavity. As the nail is biocompatible, it does not contain any elements that will cause harm to the body.

Limb Lengthening Surgery Lon Method Scar
Limb Lengthening Surgery Lon Method X-Ray

2 + 1 Surgeries with LON (the Combined Method)

If LON is chosen as a surgery method for limb lengthening, there are three operations that are performed;

  1. First Surgery; An intramedullary nail is inserted into the medullar cavity of the bone, and then, an external fixator is attached to the leg. Patients lengthen the bone gradually by 1 mm per day by turning the screws. (Every 6 hours the screw is turned by a metal key / 0,25 mm x 4)
  2. Removal Surgery for External Fixator; Once the desired height is achieved, the nail is locked with screws in order to preserve the achieved length. After that, the external fixator is removed. The remaining nail in the bone’s canal will move on to provide stability while the newer bone matures and hardens.
  3. Removal Surgery for Intramedullary Nails; Intramedullary nails can be removed upon the patient’s request after the full bone consolidation is completed. It can take a year or one and half years to get rid of the nail with a short procedure. Yet, some patients prefer not to remove it.

Advantages and Disadvantages of LON Method

Advantages;

  • It allows the external fixator to be removed much earlier compared to classical methods. (e.g Holyfix)
  • It is more cost-friendly than internal methods such as Precice and Stryde.

Disadvantages;

  • The surgery cost is higher than classical methods because of the usage of the intramedullary nail.
  • There is a high risk of getting an infection unless the dressing is changed properly.
  • Patients’ comfort zone may be spoiled since there are external fixators attached to the legs compared to internal methods.

The ‘LON’ methodology is highly preferred by our patients for these simple reasons:

  • High reliability in LON comparison to classical external methods due to the fact that Intramedullary nails add more stabilization to the bone.
  • Early removal of external devices allows earlier return to regular daily life activities. To compare, in the Holyfix method, patients have to walk, sleep, and live with external devices for 9 to 12 months or more.
  • Most importantly, reasonable costs in comparison to other latest systems such as PRECICE or STRYDE.

For the reasons listed above, around 70-80% of our patients choose the LON method.

It is equivalent to the conventional methods ( Ilizarov or Holyfix ) in terms of postoperative scars. While some people may find the scars disturbing, others may find them too insignificant to notice and worry about. The surgical wounds are stitched with dissolvable sutures and covered with waterproof dressings. Nevertheless, the scar marks will fade away as time passes by, and will not be eyeful. Especially, our surgeon ties off stitches aesthetically. If you think you may have sensitive skin against scar marks, you may find out some useful tips for the ways of minimizing the scar marks by watching the video below.

Wanna Be Taller Patient's Lon Scar Mark Wanna Be Taller Patient's Lon Scar Mark
Wanna Be Taller Patient's Lon Scar Mark Wanna Be Taller Patient's Lon Scar Mark

As in any other surgery, there are always risks and complications that might occur. As long as the doctor applies the right technique, the hygienic environment is established at the hospital, and proper post-operative care is provided, the risks and the complications are preventable and treatable. As Wannabtaller Team, the first priority is always patients’ safety for us. Yet, every person has a unique physiology and some unpredictable conditions might occur such as non-bone union or slow bone union. You may visit our blog writing to find out more information related to this issue;  "Limb lengthening Side effects, Complications and Risks"

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yunus Öç(Istanbul, TURKEY) – 22,850$ LON method, 48,500$ intramedullary nail (PRECICE 2.2), Precice Stryde, 22,850$ limb shortening surgery,
  • Dr. Paley (the USA) – Bilateral femur lengthening (up to 8 cm of height; cost $97,500 USD,PRECICE-Stryde) / Bilateral tibia lengthening (up to 5 cm of height; cost $109,000 USD, PRECICE-Stryde)
  • Dr. Jacob Rozbruch (the USA) – $125,000 (Femur or Tibia) / Nail Removal Fee: $20,000 (Femur or Tibia)
  • Dr. Shahab Mahboubian (Hollywood CA, the USA) – Bilateral femur lengthening (Precise nail) – $75,000, Bilateral tibia lengthening (Precise nail) – $85,000 & Combined tibia and femur lengthening 3-4 weeks apart – $155,000

You can visit our limb lengthening surgery price post for more detail.

How many months should I stay for this procedure?

Limb lengthening is not a simple procedure to go through. Considering broken bones and the recovery process, patients should spare a considerable amount of time for it. Notably, the first 3 months are a crucial period for patients in order to get through the process healthily as much as possible. The lengthening period needs to be observed closely by the doctor apart from the recovery, the functionality, and the health condition of the patient. Besides all these, patients must take a proper physiotherapy session from a physiotherapist who is well familiar with the post-operative process of limb lengthening. Patients desiring to have limb lengthening surgery need to stay here for at least 3/4 months by taking into account all these factors.

We provide patient accommodation, post-operative care, and physiotherapy services at Kumburgaz Marin Princess Hotel. For other accommodation facilities and prices, please visit Accommodation services page.

  • Accommodation + 3 meals/day
  • Personalized Physical Therapy
  • X-rays, tests & examinations
  • Medications
  • Psychologic Counselling Service (Twice a month)
  • Dietitian Services (Twice a month)
  • Fitness, Free WI-FI internet, daily room cleaning, clean towels, and linen changes
  • 24/7 business center use for those who continue their work remotely
  • Activities outside the hotel and special tours for the patients to relax, breathe, and increase their motivation once a month

All inclusive: 4,550$  3,580$/ per month

(3 month-package: 10,540$)

Step by step guide from the beginning to the end with LON (the Combined Method)

Wanna Be Taller Step by Step Lon Surgery

Leave a Reply

Patrick 2024-03-12 14:25:42

Hi there. Can you send me price breakdown for all procedures. Are these prices in USD?

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-03-12 17:35

Hello, detailed info will be sent to your email address. Regards, WBT - Medzonia.

Nick 2024-03-10 07:49:30

Hi. Im 36yo. My height is 166cm. I would like to reach 175cm. Can i have detail process and fee? Thanks

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-03-11 14:41

Hello, detailed info will be sent to your email address. Regards, WBT - Medzonia.

Nyi Yan Moe Htet 2024-01-26 17:14:21

I would like to lengthen both my femurs(10cm) and tibias(6cm). Is it possible to do them at the same time or separate surgeries? I am 20 years old at 160cm.

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-01-26 17:20

Hello, thank you for your comment. Our surgeon does not perform quadrilateral lengthening surgeries due to their high risk. Such procedures can pose a significant risk of embolism and require prolonged anesthesia, which can cause multiple traumas to the legs. Therefore, it is ideal to schedule a second limb lengthening surgery at least 6 to 12 months after the initial procedure. He prefers giving a gap of 6 to 12 months between leg lengthening surgeries for several reasons. Firstly, it allows the bone to heal and form a strong callus, providing stability during lengthening and reducing complications. Secondly, it gives time for the surrounding soft tissues to recover from surgery-related stress, preventing potential complications. Thirdly, it helps avoid problems like infection, nerve damage, and poor bone consolidation that might occur if the second surgery is rushed. The gradual lengthening process also allows the bone to adapt effectively, leading to better outcomes with reduced fracture risk. Lastly, the recovery time enables patients to undergo thorough physical therapy and rehabilitation, ensuring better preparation and increased comfort for the subsequent surgery, thus improving overall well-being and pain management. If you have any further questions, you can contact us through our communication channels. Regards, WBT - Medzonia.

Ben slama 2024-01-17 20:47:26

my height is 1.68cm, I am 29 years old, I would like to reach at least 1.75cm, I would like to find out about the lengthening options and the price

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-01-24 12:56

Hello, thank you for reaching us. Detailed information will be sent to your email address. Regards, WBT - Medzonia.

Rash 2024-01-14 09:29:08

What is the fees for the LON method in Turkey ?

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-01-15 11:44

hello, detailed info will be shared through email address. Regards, WBT - Medzonia

Nick 2023-12-30 01:18:25

What is the detailed structure of fees for the LON method, and if you are able to go home after the hospital stay

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2024-01-02 11:34

Hello, thank you for reaching us. Staying close to the doctor and the hospital after the height extension surgery provides the opportunity to intervene quickly in any possible complications or problems. Our team considers these possibilities and cares about a healthy extension process by facilitating medical health care and patient accommodation. Therefore, the doctor strongly recommends that patients stay in Türkiye for this period. Detailed info will be also sent to your email address. Regards, WBT - Medzonia.

Ragheb 2023-12-24 00:22:08

More details and the price please, thank you :)

Reply

Wanna Be Taller - Makbule2023-12-25 11:37

Hello, thank you for your comment. Detailed info regarding prices and services will be sent to your email address. Regards, WBT.

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WannaBeTaller AI Assistant X

Hello, I am the world's first limb lengthening surgery assistant, created by the first limb lengthening facility in Turkey (Wanna Be Taller). Feel free to ask me anything about limb lengthening surgery.

This conversation is being conducted with an artificial intelligence model. The responses provided by the artificial intelligence are intended for general informational purposes and are not legally binding. To obtain precise information, please contact the patient consultant.