Discover how Limb Lengthening can correct height discrepancies and deformities. Learn about the clinical process of limb lengthening surgery at Liv Hospital.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Overview and Definition
Limb Lengthening is a remarkable orthopedic procedure used to increase the length of the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone). This process leverages the body’s natural ability to generate new bone tissue in response to controlled mechanical tension. Primarily used to treat limb length discrepancies—where one leg is shorter than the other—it is also a solution for certain congenital conditions, post-traumatic bone loss, or stature dissatisfaction.
The foundational step in any limb lengthening surgery is a surgical procedure known as an Osteotomy. During this phase, a specialist surgeon at Liv Hospital creates a precise, controlled cut in the bone to be lengthened. This “surgical fracture” triggers the body’s healing response. By slowly separating the two bone segments over several weeks, a gap is created where new, soft bone (callus) begins to form, eventually hardening into solid, permanent bone.
Injury and Causes
The need for Limb Lengthening often stems from a disruption in normal bone development. This can be “congenital,” such as fibular hemimelia, where a child is born with a shortened limb. Another major cause is “post-traumatic” injury; if a severe fracture damages the growth plate in a child or heals in a shortened position (malunion) in an adult, it can lead to a significant functional imbalance that affects the hips and spine.
Beyond simple height gain, limb lengthening surgery is a vital reconstructive tool for treating “segmental bone loss.” This occurs when a section of bone is removed due to a chronic infection (osteomyelitis) or a tumor. By performing an Osteotomy on a healthy section of the remaining bone and “transporting” it across the gap, surgeons can regrow the missing segment, saving the limb from potential amputation and restoring its original length.
Diagnosis and Imaging
A successful Limb Lengthening begins with extreme precision in measurement. At Liv Hospital, we perform a detailed “Gait Analysis” to see how the discrepancy affects your walking pattern. We also evaluate the flexibility of your joints and the strength of your muscles, as the soft tissues (nerves, muscles, and skin) must be able to stretch along with the bone during the lengthening process.
To plan the limb lengthening surgery, we utilize “Full-Length Standing Radiographs” (scanograms). These X-rays allow us to measure the femur and tibia to the nearest millimeter. In complex cases, a 3D CT scan is used to map the bone’s rotation. This data is essential for the surgeon to determine the exact site for the Osteotomy and to select the correct size for the internal lengthening nail or external fixator.
Treatment and Recovery
The treatment is divided into three distinct phases:
Modern Limb Lengthening has been revolutionized by internal lengthening nails that are controlled by an external remote-control magnet. This allows for limb lengthening surgery without the need for bulky external frames. During recovery, patients at Liv Hospital work closely with physical therapists to keep their joints mobile. While weight-bearing is limited during the distraction phase, activity is gradually increased as the bone “consolidates” and becomes strong.
Rehabilitation Tips
Rehabilitation is the “engine” of a successful Limb Lengthening outcome. Because the bone grows faster than the muscles can stretch, dedicated physical therapy is required to prevent “contractures” (permanent stiffness). At Liv Hospital, we provide specialized protocols to ensure that your new length comes with full functional mobility.
Liv Hospital is a world-class center for Limb Lengthening and complex bone reconstruction. Our surgeons are internationally recognized experts in both internal and external limb lengthening surgery techniques. We combine advanced 3D diagnostic planning with the latest “precice” internal nail technology. Our goal is to provide a life-changing correction that restores your balance and mobility. We encourage you to reach out and call Liv Hospital to schedule a consultation with our limb reconstruction team and take the first step toward a balanced future.
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Gökhan Kürşat Kara
Orthopedic Surgery
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Gürkan Gümüşsuyu
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Kadir Abul
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Op. MD. İsmail Tugay Yağcı
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Spec. MD. Gail Gasimov
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Spec. MD. Yavuz Şahbat
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Alper Köksal
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Kadir İlker Yıldız
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Samet Erinç
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Op. MD. Nikola Azar
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Tuğrul Yıldırım
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Ali Erhan Özdemirel
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Özgür Kaya
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Asst. Prof. MD. Yunus Demirtaş
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Op. MD. Murat Bozbek
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Prof. MD. Ali Biçimoğlu
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Prof. MD. Levent Çelebi
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Op. MD. Ferit Yücel
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Op. MD. Metehan Saraçoğlu
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Spec. MD. İsmayıl Meherremli
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Spec. MD. Şehriyar Fetullayev
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Bülent Karslıoğlu
Orthopedic Surgery
Assoc. Prof. MD. Engin Çetin
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Assoc. Prof. MD. Turan Bilge Kızkapan
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Prof. MD. Oğuz Cebesoy
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Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
This is the natural biological process where the body grows new bone, skin, and nerves to fill a gap created during the lengthening phase.
The initial surgery is performed under anesthesia; during the lengthening phase, patients may feel pressure or stretching, which is managed through professional care.
On average, a single bone segment can be lengthened by five to eight centimeters, depending on the flexibility of the surrounding soft tissues.
While most successful in young adults whose bones are healthy, it can be performed on older patients if their bone density and circulation are optimal.
The timeline includes a lengthening phase and a consolidation phase, which together usually take several months to complete.
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