K
TH

Lengthening methods

PRECICE / STRYDE internal lengthening nail

PRECICE (Nuvasive, USA) is a fully implantable, magnetically driven lengthening nail — no external fixator at all. STRYDE works on the same mechanism but is designed to allow far more weight-bearing. Dr. Donghoon Lee was the first surgeon in Asia to perform PRECICE lengthening successfully and holds the largest single-surgeon case volume in Asia.

Who it suits

  • Patients who want no external frame and no pin scars
  • Those prioritising comfort and an early return to work during lengthening
  • Femur or tibia lengthening where the medullary canal is wide enough for the nail

Technique highlights

  • No external hardware; incisions are only 1.5-2 cm
  • Less pain, no pin-site infection and better joint motion
  • Hospital figures for its PRECICE series: 0% deep infection, 0% nonunion

Surgical steps

  • Canal measurement and osteotomy planning from EOS/CT imaging.
  • Insert the PRECICE nail through small incisions; for the tibia, precise tibiofibular transfixation is critical.
  • Lengthen at your accommodation with the external magnetic controller on the prescribed schedule.
  • Serial radiographs until the regenerate bone is strong enough for full weight-bearing.

Recovery & aftercare

  • The lengthening phase is markedly more comfortable than frame-based methods, with better joint motion.
  • PRECICE limits weight-bearing during lengthening; STRYDE was developed to permit substantially more.
  • 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.
  • Considerably more expensive than LON because the nail is an imported implant, and a later removal operation is required.
  • Incorrect tibiofibular fixation can cause valgus deformity or knee contracture, so this must be done by a highly experienced surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

Is PRECICE lengthening painful?

Clearly less painful than frame-based methods because no pins pass through muscle. The usual complaints are muscle tightness and a dull ache during lengthening, managed with medication and daily physiotherapy.

Other procedures in this area

Related articles

Back to the Dr. Donghoon (DALRI) hub