Frequently asked questions

Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure that surgically lengthens the bones of the lower and upper leg (the tibia or femur). It is usually performed using special devices such as combined systems, Precice or Fitbone. During the operation the bone is cut and these devices are placed inside it. Each day the devices create a millimetric separation between the bone ends, triggering the formation of new bone tissue. The length of the operation varies with the technique used and the amount of lengthening desired.

With an experienced surgeon, a well-performed operation and the care of an experienced post-operative team, the risk of possible complications is reduced. How long recovery takes depends on the patient following the doctor’s directions correctly, the targeted amount and the treatments required throughout the process.

Gaining 10 cm is possible; many of our patients have reached this amount. Achieving 10 cm depends on the person having sufficiently good muscle and nerve flexibility and on rapid bone healing during the process. 10 cm is generally seen in patients operated on the upper leg (femur).

In shorter people the legs are usually short relative to the torso, so a 5–8 cm lengthening done in a single operation does not disturb the proportions. As long as it is not excessive, legs that are somewhat longer relative to the torso create an aesthetic appearance. Before surgery the doctor determines the appropriate amounts for an aesthetic result based on physical examination and x-ray measurements.

A single operation achieves 6–8 cm of lengthening. The amount depends on the person’s physical characteristics (age, weight, chronic conditions, flexibility). If the process goes smoothly, 9–9.5 cm can be achieved. As the amount increases, so do the risks of complications, pain and tension, so for a healthy completion we prefer to stop within safe limits. If two operations are planned, a lengthening of 12–16 cm is achieved.