Lengthening methods
LON (Lengthening Over Nail)
In LON an intramedullary nail is inserted together with an external fixator at the first operation. Once the target length is reached, a second operation locks the nail and removes the external frame — cutting external-fixation time to roughly half that of classic Ilizarov.
Who it suits
- General stature lengthening where external-fixator time should be minimised
- Patients wanting a lower-cost route than the motorised PRECICE nail
Technique highlights
- About half the external-fixation time of the Ilizarov method
- The internal nail carries load after frame removal, so walking is retrained sooner
- Dr. Lee's most-used route for general stature lengthening: simpler and less expensive than LATN
Surgical steps
- Operation 1: corticotomy, intramedullary nail insertion and external fixator placement.
- Lengthen roughly 1 mm a day until the target length is reached.
- Operation 2: lock the nail with screws and remove the external fixator and pins.
- Consolidate while walking on the internal nail — no frame to carry.
Recovery & aftercare
- The external fixator stays on only for the lengthening phase, then comes off at the second operation.
- Comfort improves markedly after frame removal — showering and sleeping return to normal.
- 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.
- Two operations are required and pin-site scars remain, fading over time.
Frequently asked questions
How does LON differ from PRECICE?
LON uses an external frame during the lengthening phase, so there are pin scars and two operations, but it costs far less. PRECICE lengthens purely with an internal nail and no frame, at a much higher price because the FDA-cleared implant is imported.
Other procedures in this area
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