Lengthening methods
LATN (Lengthening And Then Nailing)
In LATN only the external fixator is applied at the first operation; after lengthening, a second operation inserts the nail and removes the frame. Compared with LON, bone forms faster and leg alignment can be corrected more precisely. Dr. Donghoon Lee was the first in Korea to perform LATN successfully, in 2010.
Who it suits
- Narrow medullary canals or short bones where a nail cannot be placed up front
- Severe accompanying deformity needing precise alignment correction
- Rare musculoskeletal diseases that other methods struggle with
Technique highlights
- Faster bone formation — patients return to normal activity 1-2 months sooner than with LON
- Precise leg-alignment correction during the dedicated correction period
- External-fixation time is nearly half that of conventional Ilizarov
Surgical steps
- Operation 1: corticotomy with an external fixator only.
- Lengthen to target, then a 2-4 week alignment-correction period.
- Operation 2: insert the intramedullary nail and remove the frame.
Recovery & aftercare
- The frame stays on 2-4 weeks longer than in LON because of the added correction period.
- After the second operation the bone typically consolidates quickly, so normal life resumes sooner.
- You must stay in Korea for the whole lengthening and follow-up period; the international team arranges accommodation, interpretation and the physiotherapy schedule.
Risks & things to consider
- Bone lengthening is major surgery. Outcome and recovery time depend on bone quality, age, weight and how disciplined the patient is with rehabilitation, so identical results cannot be guaranteed.
- Daily physiotherapy is mandatory through both the lengthening and consolidation phases. Skipping it risks joint stiffness, muscle contracture or delayed bone healing.
- Disclose all medical conditions, regular medication, previous bone surgery and drug allergies at the consultation, and stop smoking before and after surgery as instructed — nicotine measurably slows bone healing.
- Uses one or two more external pins than LON and costs more.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose LON or LATN?
For general stature lengthening Dr. Lee now uses LON more often because it is simpler and cheaper. LATN is reserved for narrow canals, short bones or deformity severe enough that a nail cannot be inserted initially.
Other procedures in this area
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