What is the Limb Lengthening Surgery?

"Height increase" refers to a variety of medical and surgical methods used to increase a person's height. Typically, limb lengthening surgery or treatments are applied to individuals who have completed their puberty. These methods may aim to increase bone length or may include procedures such as spine correction. Height-increasing procedures can be performed due to specific health conditions or personal preferences. However, caution should be exercised regarding the risks and outcomes of such interventions, and they should be conducted under the supervision of an expert doctor. Before deciding to undergo limb lengthening surgery, the first step should be to consult with a doctor to obtain detailed information about the process. For more detailed information, you can contact our patient representatives.

Why is Limb Lengthening Surgery Performed?

Limb lengthening surgery is chosen by some individuals due to medical conditions, while others opt for it purely for aesthetic reasons. The surgery, which is performed entirely for therapeutic purposes in cases such as dwarfism or unilateral leg shortness, can also be optionally conducted for individuals who perceive themselves as being too short. However, it is crucial to remember that before undergoing limb lengthening surgery, patients have to complete the necessary health examinations positively. At this point, the patient's bone health, blood results, x-ray images, and overall health status are very important. Initially, these results are evaluated for patients who consult a doctor for surgery, and then the doctor decides whether the patient is suitable for the operation.

How is Limb Lengthening Surgery Performed?

Limb lengtheninh surgery is a procedure designed to increase the length of bones and is typically performed on the legs (femur or tibia). This surgery usually involves cutting the bones (osteotomy) and then gradually separating these cut sections (distraction) to encourage the growth of new bone, vessels, and tissues. The procedure steps are as follows:

• Surgical Cutting (Osteotomy): The surgery begins under anesthesia with a surgical cut in the selected bone (usually the femur or tibia). This is necessary to create a space that will allow for the extension of the bones.
• Fixator Placement: After the cutting process, a fixator is placed to keep the bones in the correct position and provide the mechanical support needed for the extension process. The fixator can be external (attached from outside) or internal (inserted internally). External fixators consist of metal rods and wires placed outside the skin, while internal fixators are telescopic rods inserted into the bone.
• Distraction Phase: A few days after the surgical procedure, the gap between the bones is gradually widened through the fixator. This is usually set to 1 mm per day. During this process, the growth of new bone, vessels, and tissues in the gap between the cut bone ends is encouraged.

Patients undergo physiotherapy sessions with specialist health teams and complete their processes under doctor supervision to ensure the new bone forms and strengthens.

What Are the Methods of Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Precice 2 and LON (Lengthening Over Nails) are two different techniques used in height increase surgeries. Both methods are designed to increase an individual's height but differ in terms of application and mechanisms.

Precice 2 Method 

Precice 2 is a height increase technique based on the intramedullary nail system. In this method, a telescopic rod is surgically placed inside the bone. The length of the rod can be adjusted using an external magnetic remote control device during the extension process. This allows the bone ends to be gradually separated after the bone is cut, filling the gap with new bone tissue.

Advantages of Precice 2 include the elimination of any external frame, higher patient comfort, and reduced risk of infection. It also allows patients to return to their daily lives more quickly and is more aesthetically pleasing.

LON Method 

The LON method is a procedure performed in leg lengthening surgeries using both an intramedullary nail and an external fixator. This method offers a reliable way to increase leg length while providing the opportunity for supported walking and being a more economical alternative compared to internal nails. The procedure begins with a bone cut at a predetermined level in the leg, then an intramedullary nail is placed to provide internal support, and an external fixator is fixed from outside to control the process. The bones are gradually separated each day to encourage the formation of new bone tissue. Once the targeted length is reached, patients gradually gain the ability to walk during the healing process. The fixator is removed about 2.5-3 months after surgery, and patients begin to walk without support within 5-6 months.

What Are the Risks of Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Possible complications and risks following limb lengthening surgery include infection, risk of scarring, muscle weakness or atrophy, device-related complications, neurological complications, lack of hygiene, skipping physiotherapy sessions, inadequate nutrition, joint and soft tissue issues, and problems that may arise during the return to sports process. To reduce the risk of infection in the postoperative period, it is important to regularly clean the wound area, not skip physiotherapy sessions, ensure adequate and balanced nutrition, and intake of vitamin D. Additionally, to prevent device-related issues, maintaining constant communication with the doctor and ensuring the return to sports is guided and approved by the doctor are necessary. These complications and risks can be managed by taking appropriate measures and adhering to doctor recommendations.

Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Painful?

It is quite normal for patients to experience pain during and after the limb lengthening surgery process. The surgery involves cutting the bones (osteotomy) and then lengthening them; this process, especially during the lengthening phase, can cause significant pain; however, it is not possible to provide a definitive pain scale at this point. This is because pain threshold varies from person to person. While some patients report that the pain during the process is manageable and not too challenging, others describe experiencing intense pain. At this point, the only thing to do is to follow your doctor's recommendations to complete the process and use painkillers provided by nurses to minimize the sensation of pain.

Is There an Age Limit for Limb Lengthening Surgery?

Yes, there is an age limit for undergoing limb lengthening surgery. Although this age range is generally stated as 18-55, individuals aged 18 must have closed growth plates, and those aged 55 must have bone health suitable for surgery. The suitability of bone health for surgery is also very important for younger individuals. At this point, all individuals wishing to undergo the surgery must undergo the necessary health tests. The process begins for individuals aged 18-55 who are deemed suitable for surgery.

When Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Performed?

People who are found suitable for surgery after health checks can undergo the operation. In this case, the first critical criterion is that the person's growth plates have closed, indicating the completion of puberty; the other important criterion is the absence of any health problem that could negatively affect the surgery. If both criteria are met, a date for the surgery can be scheduled with the doctor.

Price of Limb Lengthening Surgery in 2024

The fees for height increase surgery vary depending on the methods used and accommodation options. Therefore, it is not possible to provide precise information on this matter. If you want to learn about the prices of height increase surgery, you can obtain information about your preferred method and accommodation process by speaking with patient representatives.