Research summary
A 2025 review of 12 studies and 760 patients: reported satisfaction, complications and the limits of predicting an individual's outcome.
Topic: outcomesType: reviewYear: 2025
Evidence summaries
Limb Lengthening Study Summaries
Explore source-linked limb lengthening studies, with study populations, methods, findings and limits alongside each source.
8 research summaries6 topics2 evidence types
Evidence overview
Search by source title, topic, or year. Open a summary to check the study population, methods, findings, and limits.
Showing 8 of 8 research items.
Research summary
Sources
Seven studies and 489 patients compared external fixation with internal nails. Read the complication findings and limits of this observational evidence.
Topic: outcomesType: reviewYear: 2025
Research summary
A retrospective single-center study of 15 patients with achondroplasia reported 97% nail reliability and 96% accuracy after simultaneous bilateral femoral lengthening. Ten of 30 segments had temporary knee-motion restriction, and one patient required two unplanned surgeries.
Topic: achondroplasiaType: reportYear: 2024
Research summary
A case report documenting serious complications in a patient who traveled abroad for cosmetic limb lengthening. The 28-year-old male required emergency care, nail removal, and prolonged antibiotic treatment in his home country after developing infections post-surgery.
Topic: medical tourismType: reportYear: 2024
Research summary
The 53% complication figure comes from an analysis of one randomly selected segment per patient. Read the cohort's mixed indications and device-specific limits.
Topic: complicationsType: reportYear: 2023
Research summary
A meta-analysis of 457 classical and 488 integrated cases reported shorter frame exposure and fewer problems and sequelae with integrated methods, while deep infection was more common and was highest for LON among integrated techniques. Heterogeneous nonrandomized data do not prove universal superiority.
Topic: devicesType: reviewYear: 2020
Research summary
Sources
- Barakat AH, Sayani J, O'Dowd-Booth C, Guryel E. Lengthening nails for distraction osteogenesis: a review of current practice and presentation of extended indications. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2020;15(3):161-167.
- U.S. FDA - Update: NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics Precice Devices
Additional sources in the full article: 2.
A nonsystematic 2020 review and four case examples describing the evolution of LON, LATN, mechanical, motorized, and magnetic nails. It is useful historical context, not a current product, recall, or comparative-safety guide.
Topic: devicesType: reviewYear: 2020
Research summary
A 125-patient cosmetic tibial lengthening study compared daily living and sport at two years. Results are self-reported scores out of 100, not recovery guarantees.
Topic: recoveryType: reportYear: 2019