Definition
A limb lengthening procedure in which the tibia is surgically cut and gradually distracted to increase its length. Tibial lengthening carries a higher risk of equinus contracture and peroneal nerve injury compared to femoral lengthening.
Updated
Sources
- Park KB, Kwak YH, Lee JW, Park BK, Park H, Lee DH. Functional recovery of daily living and sports activities after cosmetic bilateral tibia lengthening. Int Orthop. 2019;43(9):2017-2023.Public sourceAccessed 2026-03-01
- Simultaneous Bilateral Femoral and Tibial Lengthening in Achondroplasia — Shabtai L et al., Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, 2021Official public sourceAccessed 2026-02-28
33 obstacles in femoral+tibial lengthening including 10 peroneal nerve entrapments, 8 premature consolidations. Lengthening 5-8 cm medium risk; >8 cm higher complication rate.
- Results and complications of bilateral limb lengthening in achondroplasia — Ferruzza M et al., Frontiers in Pediatrics, 2023Official public sourceAccessed 2026-02-28
46 lengthening procedures (56 tibias, 36 femurs). Average tibial gain 7.9 cm, femoral gain 6.9 cm. 20.7% complication rate across 92 segments. Each week of external fixation associated with 4.7% increased complication risk.
Informational only. Not medical advice.