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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