FAQ Library

Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure that gradually increases bone length through a process called distraction osteogenesis. It is used both for medical conditions (limb length discrepancy, dwarfism) and cosmetic height increase. Candidacy requires skeletal maturity, adequate bone health, and a thorough screening process.

The three main categories are internal lengthening nails (PRECICE, STRYDE), external fixators (Ilizarov, TSF), and combined methods such as LON and LATN. Internal methods offer greater comfort but higher device cost. External methods are less expensive but involve pins through the skin. Combined methods aim to combine benefits of both approaches.

Recovery spans three main phases: distraction (gradual lengthening at approximately 1 mm/day), consolidation (new bone hardening, typically 2-4 times the distraction duration), and rehabilitation (restoring strength and mobility). The total timeline ranges from 6 months to over a year depending on the amount lengthened.

Common complications include muscle contracture, nerve irritation or injury, delayed bone healing, pin site infections (with external fixators), joint stiffness, and hardware-related issues. Complication rates vary significantly based on technique, surgeon experience, lengthening amount, and patient adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

Verification involves checking medical board registration, confirming published case volumes, reviewing stated complication rates against published literature, and cross-referencing patient-reported outcomes. Our verification policy page explains how registry and documentation information is recorded on this site.