Limb lengthening
Stature lengthening (leg lengthening)
Stature lengthening uses distraction osteogenesis: the bone is cut and then separated roughly 1 mm a day so new bone forms in the gap. It can be done on the tibia or the femur, typically 6-7 cm per round, with 5-7 months before a full return to normal life.
Who it suits
- Adults with closed growth plates who want a permanent height increase
- People whose legs are short relative to their torso
- Patients with bowlegs, knock-knees or rotational deformity who want it corrected at the same time
Technique highlights
- Tibia or femur chosen according to body proportion and the recovery time you can accept
- Deformity (bowlegs, knock-knees, torsion) can be corrected in the same operation
- The hospital reports 0% medical accidents, 0% deep infection and 0% nonunion since it opened in 2009
Surgical steps
- Consultation plus a low-dose full-body EOS radiograph to measure leg alignment, proportion and the right level to cut.
- Choose the method — LON, LATN, PRECICE/STRYDE internal nail, or pure Ilizarov — based on target length, bone shape and budget.
- First operation: corticotomy and hardware placement, with about a 7-night inpatient stay.
- Lengthening phase: about 1 mm a day, alongside daily physiotherapy and SwimEx hydrotherapy.
- Consolidation phase: external hardware is removed (if used) and weight-bearing is retrained until walking is normal.
Recovery & aftercare
- For 6-7 cm, expect about 5-7 months to normal daily life, depending on the segment and rehabilitation.
- A simultaneous 3 cm femur + 3 cm tibia program takes roughly 3-5 months.
- 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 many centimetres can I gain?
One safe round is about 6-7 cm. Beyond that the hospital uses sequential or simultaneous femur + tibia programs; published cases range from 8 cm up to 12.5 cm, split across two operations.
Tibia or femur — what is the difference?
The femur usually heals faster and hides scars better; the tibia can give better proportion for some body types and the LON route is less expensive. The team measures your torso-to-leg ratio and recommends in consultation.
How long must I stay in Korea?
You must stay in Korea for the whole lengthening and follow-up period; the international team arranges accommodation, interpretation and the physiotherapy schedule.
Other procedures in this area
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