What is Limb Lengthening Surgery? How Is It Done?
Limb Lengthening Surgery is an aesthetic and reconstructive procedure performed from adolescence onward. It helps create proportional legs, correct gait issues, and improve appearance. The process requires patience and time, as it involves controlled bone growth.
What is Limb Lengthening Surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery is a notable technique used to extend the length of limbs, which refers to both the arms and legs. This procedure most commonly involves lengthening the leg bones”specifically, the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone). It is often considered by individuals who are of very short stature or who have aesthetic concerns about their leg length.
How Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Done?
During Limb Lengthening Surgery, a reconstructive surgeon performs an osteotomy (bone cut) and stabilizes the area with a special frame. Gradual stretching encourages new bone growth, which strengthens over time. Although height can be increased, recovery is lengthy and may include some risks.
Why Is Limb Lengthening Surgery Done?
Limb lengthening surgery is not performed solely for aesthetic reasons. It can also address differences in arm or leg length, as well as disproportions caused by uneven bone growth or certain medical conditions that result in shortened bones. While the procedure can improve appearance, it is also an important treatment option for various health conditions. In addition to cosmetic concerns, the surgery may be recommended in cases such as:
- • Presence of a benign bone tumor on a growth plate,
- In cases of cerebral palsy,
- • In congenital femur (thigh bone) deficiency, where one femur is shorter than the other from birth,
- • In hemihypertrophy, a rare condition where one side of the body grows more than the other,
- • In hereditary conditions such as skeletal dysplasia or dwarfism, which hinder bone growth,
- • In growth plate fractures,
- • In osteomyelitis (bone inflammation) disease.
What Are the Types of Limb Lengthening Surgery?
There are several different methods available for limb lengthening surgery, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some techniques may be more cost-effective, others quicker, while certain methods offer greater safety and clearer outcomes. The main types of limb lengthening surgery used today include:
- Holyfix,
- TSF (Taylor Spatial Frame),
- LON (Lengthening Over Nail),
- Precice 2,
- Precice Stryde,
- Ilizarov method.
The Ilizarov method is often the preferred option for patients seeking limb lengthening for cosmetic reasons, and is applied effectively in these cases.
What is the Ilizarov Method?
The Ilizarov method is a surgical procedure that uses an orthopedic device called an external fixator to reconstruct, reshape, or lengthen bones”typically the long bones of the limbs. In this technique, rods are inserted into the affected bone through small incisions and extend outside the body to connect to a stabilizing external frame. This specialized device is known as the Ilizarov apparatus or Ilizarov fixator.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Process
Limb lengthening surgery can be demanding both financially and in terms of time, making the process physically and emotionally challenging. Closely following your doctor's recommendations throughout the recovery period is essential to achieving the best possible results, especially as healing needs increase and symptoms such as pain may arise.
Before Limb Lengthening Surgery
Before surgery, your specialist may order a bone X-ray and take specific measurements to determine how much your bone can safely be lengthened. While you may want to increase your height by a certain amount, such as 10 cm, the actual gain depends on many individual factors and cannot be guaranteed in advance. Additional necessary medical procedures will be explained to you during your preoperative evaluation. If you take any medications or have a chronic illness, informing your doctor beforehand can help minimize risks and support a smoother recovery.
After Limb Lengthening Surgery
You will not be discharged from the hospital immediately after limb lengthening surgery and may need to stay for a few days. Before going home, your doctor will instruct you on how to care for the limb-lengthening device. If you have an external device, it's important to keep the pins clean to prevent infection. For internal devices, you should carefully maintain the cleanliness of the surgical incisions. Following surgery, you may have to avoid using your leg for a period of time, and your doctor may recommend a supportive device to help during recovery.
Limb Lengthening Surgery Risks and Complications
Like any surgical or invasive procedure, limb lengthening surgery involves certain risks. Some people may experience significant pain during or after the procedure. Other potential complications include:
- Weak bone formation
- Development of fractures or increased susceptibility to fractures
- Infection
- Inappropriate rate of bone growth
- Formation of blood clots
It is important to recognize that there may be uncertainties regarding the safety and long-term effectiveness of limb lengthening surgery.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is a good candidate for limb lengthening surgery?
Healthy adults with realistic expectations and fully developed bones are suitable candidates. The procedure is not recommended for individuals with bone disorders or severe chronic diseases.
How long does the limb lengthening process take?
The process varies depending on the amount of lengthening needed. On average, the bone grows about 1 millimeter per day, and full recovery can take several months.
Is limb lengthening surgery painful?
Some discomfort and pain are normal during recovery, but these can be managed effectively with medication prescribed by your doctor.
Can limb lengthening be done for both legs at once?
Yes, both legs can be operated on at the same time, depending on the patient’s health and the surgeon’s assessment.
How soon can I walk after the surgery?
Patients usually begin walking with support after a few weeks, depending on their healing progress and the type of device used.
Are there any long-term side effects?
Most patients recover without major issues, but complications such as infection, delayed bone healing, or stiffness may occur if post-surgery care is neglected.
Why choose Liv Hospital for limb lengthening surgery?
Liv Hospital offers advanced surgical technology, expert orthopedic surgeons, and personalized rehabilitation programs to ensure safe procedures and optimal outcomes for every patient.