Limb lengthening
Leg length discrepancy
Leg length discrepancy can follow childhood growth-plate injury, infection, bone tumour, congenital conditions or previous bone surgery. Treatment lengthens the short side to match, correcting any accompanying angular or rotational deformity in the same plan so alignment and gait rebalance together.
Who it suits
- Discrepancy causing a limp, back pain or hip pain
- Shortening after childhood bone tumour surgery or fracture
Technique highlights
- Length and alignment addressed in one treatment plan
- LATN, LON, PRECICE or Ilizarov, chosen to fit the bone
Surgical steps
- Precise standing full-body EOS measurement of both leg lengths and alignment.
- Plan which segment to lengthen, by how much, and whether torsion must be corrected.
- Operate to lengthen and/or realign as planned.
- Rehabilitate until weight-bearing and gait are balanced.
Recovery & aftercare
- Timeline scales with the amount to be corrected — the more length, the longer the treatment.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How much difference justifies surgery?
There is no fixed threshold; it depends on symptoms such as limping, back pain or joint pain, and on overall alignment. The team assesses radiographs and your actual gait before advising.
Other procedures in this area
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