Glossary term
Femoral lengthening
A limb lengthening procedure performed on the femur (thigh bone).
Updated 2026-03-010 aliases2 sourcesUsed across articles and safety pages
Definition
Femoral lengthening is distraction osteogenesis performed in the thigh bone using external fixation, an internal lengthening nail, or a combined method. The amount is individualized; published averages and device stroke lengths are not universal safe ranges. Segment choice depends on alignment, joint motion, nerve and soft-tissue tolerance, bone and implant dimensions, rehabilitation, and the treating team's protocol. [1][2]
Updated 2026-03-01
Sources
- Marwan Y et al. - Cosmetic stature lengthening: systematic review of outcomes and complicationsacademic_journalAccessed 2026-07-12
- Frost MW et al. - Complications and risk factors of intramedullary bone lengthening nails: a retrospective multicenter cohort study of 314 FITBONE and PRECICE nailsacademic_journalAccessed 2026-07-12
Informational only. Not medical advice.