Service Limb Lengthening Surgerys
Upper Arm Lengthening
Upper limb lengthening has long been used in the treatment of conditions such as achondroplasia and significant differences in arm length resulting from various medical conditions or injuries. The same established lengthening techniques can, in selected patients, be considered for cosmetic upper-arm lengthening.
The procedure involves gradual lengthening of the humerus (upper-arm bone), with a typical planned increase of approximately 5–6 cm in each arm. The exact amount of lengthening is determined individually based on the patient’s anatomy, proportions, functional requirements, and overall treatment goals. Because bone lengthening is a gradual process, treatment requires careful monitoring throughout the healing period. Regular clinical and radiographic assessments are performed to monitor bone formation, alignment, and the function of the surrounding muscles and joints. A personalised rehabilitation program is an important part of the recovery process and helps patients safely regain strength, movement, and function.
Leg Lengthening
Leg lengthening surgery is an established orthopaedic procedure used to treat significant limb length discrepancies and certain skeletal conditions. The same surgical principles can also be applied, in carefully selected patients, to cosmetic limb lengthening for those who wish to increase their height. Depending on the patient’s anatomy, body proportions, bone structure, and individual treatment goals, lengthening may be performed through the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), or, in selected cases, a combination of both.
In cosmetic leg lengthening, the planned amount of lengthening is determined individually. The achievable increase depends on factors such as the patient’s initial height, bone proportions, soft-tissue flexibility, joint mobility, and overall medical suitability. A detailed clinical and radiographic assessment is therefore required before establishing an appropriate treatment plan.
The procedure involves creating a controlled osteotomy, in which the selected bone is surgically divided. An internal fixation device, such as a motorised intramedullary lengthening nail, is then used to stabilise the bone segments. Following an initial healing period, the bone is gradually lengthened at a controlled rate according to the individual treatment protocol. As the bone gradually separates, new bone forms within the developing gap through a natural process known as distraction histogenesis. Regular clinical examinations and X-rays are performed throughout treatment to monitor bone formation, alignment, joint movement, and the condition of the surrounding soft tissues.
Patients begin mobilisation and rehabilitation shortly after surgery, according to the surgical technique and individual treatment plan. Physical therapy is an essential part of the process and focuses on maintaining joint mobility, muscle flexibility, strength, and functional movement throughout the lengthening period. The overall treatment and recovery period varies depending on the amount of lengthening, the bone treated, the patient’s healing response, and other individual factors. Bone consolidation continues after the desired length has been achieved, and regular follow-up is required until adequate bone strength has developed.
The amount of achievable lengthening, the bone selected for treatment, surgical technique, fixation method, rehabilitation program, and expected recovery time are determined individually for each patient.
A comprehensive medical evaluation, including physical examination and appropriate imaging, is essential before surgery. During consultation, the patient's anatomy, proportions, medical history, goals, and functional requirements are carefully assessed to determine whether limb lengthening is appropriate and to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Leg Length Reduction
Leg length reduction surgery was originally developed to treat significant leg length discrepancies, particularly in patients who preferred shortening the longer leg rather than lengthening the shorter limb.Using the same established surgical principles, leg length reduction can also be performed for cosmetic purposes in carefully selected patients who wish to reduce their overall height.
In cosmetic procedures, both femurs can typically be shortened by approximately 5–6 cm, depending on the patient’s height, body proportions, and individual treatment plan. The procedure involves making a small incision, approximately 4 cm in length, over the femur. A measured segment of bone is removed, with the amount determined according to the patient’s individual anatomy and planned height reduction. The remaining bone segments are then stabilised internally using a titanium fixation system.
The procedure is performed under regional anaesthesia, such as spinal or epidural anaesthesia, rather than general anaesthesia, when clinically appropriate. Patients can generally stand and begin assisted walking with crutches from the day after surgery. As the bone heals and strength improves, the use of crutches can be gradually reduced. Bone healing and rehabilitation typically take approximately 2–3 months, although the recovery period varies from patient to patient.
Clavicle Lengthening
