Leg lengthening surgery addresses conditions like limb length discrepancies, which can arise from congenital differences, trauma, or certain diseases. It can also be performed for cosmetic reasons to increase overall height. The process involves creating new bone tissue through a carefully controlled biological response.
How Much Height Can Be Gained?
The amount of height increase achievable through leg lengthening surgery typically ranges from 2 to 6 inches (approximately 5 to 15 cm). Surgeons advise limiting the gain to about 3 inches (7.6 cm) per bone segment, such as the femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone), to minimize complications. For instance, the femur can be lengthened by 3 to 3.5 inches (7-9 cm), while the tibia is typically limited to 2 to 2.5 inches (5-6 cm).
The exact amount of height gain depends on several factors, including the patient’s bone quality, age, general health, and the specific bone being lengthened. While greater lengthening is possible, a conservative approach generally leads to safer procedures and better long-term functional outcomes. This maintains proper body proportions and reduces the risk of disproportionate limb segments.
The Surgical Procedure
Leg lengthening involves surgically cutting the targeted bone. This cut, known as an osteotomy, preserves blood flow and other biological processes essential for bone healing. Once cut, an orthopedic lengthening device is applied.
These devices can be either external fixators, attached externally with pins or wires, or internal lengthening nails, implanted internally. Examples of internal nails include the PRECICE and STRYDE systems, which are often magnetic and remotely controlled. Patients typically remain in the hospital for at least one night after surgery.
The Recovery and Lengthening Phase
Following surgery, a latency phase of five to seven days allows initial healing. Then, the lengthening phase, termed “distraction osteogenesis,” commences. During distraction osteogenesis, bone segments are slowly pulled apart, stimulating new bone tissue generation.
The bone is typically lengthened at about 1 millimeter (0.04 inches) per day, often in several smaller adjustments. This gradual separation encourages the formation of “regenerate” bone, which eventually hardens. Physical therapy is crucial to maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, and prevent muscle contractures, as surrounding soft tissues must adapt. Pain management is also important during this prolonged recovery, which can last several months.
Who Is a Candidate?
Candidates for the surgery fall into two main categories: those with medical indications and those seeking cosmetic height enhancement. Medical reasons include correcting significant limb length discrepancies resulting from birth defects, traumatic injuries, or certain diseases that affect bone growth. For medical patients, surgery aims to improve mobility, balance, and alleviate discomfort.
For cosmetic purposes, individuals with short stature may seek to increase their height. All candidates must meet general health requirements, including good bone quality and density, and have reached full skeletal maturity (growth plates closed). Psychological readiness and realistic expectations about the extensive recovery are also important.
Life After Lengthening
Once the desired length is achieved and the new bone has consolidated, the devices are removed. This marks a transition as the body adapts to its new proportions. Patients may continue physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the new bone and surrounding muscles.
The goal is a return to normal activities, with improved mobility, posture, and balanced gait. The body gradually integrates the new length, and many individuals report increased self-confidence. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor long-term outcomes and ensure proper healing and adaptation.