Curiosities About Height Lengthening Surgery

What is height lengthening surgery?

Lengthening surgery is an operation that is sometimes preferred for treatment and sometimes for aesthetic purposes in individuals with a closed growth plate. The aim is to lengthen the arm and leg bones. Lengthening is achieved by surgically cutting the bone and separating the cut bone fragments by about 1 mm each day. In this way, new bone tissues are formed in the gaps opened, and bone elongation is ensured. It is called distraction osteogenesis in which the bones are moved away from each other and new bone formation is achieved. If the procedure is planned to be up to 8 cm, planning can be done only on the thigh or tibia. However, if a lengthening of more than 10 cm is planned, both bones may need to be lengthened. This procedure is performed only on the bones. Since the muscles, ligaments, nerves, vessels and other soft tissues are attached to the bones, they automatically adapt to elongation as the procedure is performed in stages. After the operation, physiotherapy is applied to the relevant area to help the process to heal faster.

When is lengthening surgery performed?

This surgery can be performed after 3 to 4 years of age. If it is planned to be applied to children, the number of stages of the operation is determined according to the calculated shortness. Procedures for children with a high amount of shortness are planned to be completed in 2 stages, before and after the age of 10.

What are the types of lengthening surgeries?

Progressive lengthening methods can be classified as follows according to the devices used:

• External fixation (ilizarov technique)
• Internal fixation (motorized nail)
• Combined technique

External fixators, known as the “ilizarov technique” and applied externally to the leg, were used in lengthening surgeries. However, these devices have now been replaced by internal fixators that are positioned inside the body and can be managed externally. The aesthetic results of this method, which is placed inside the body with the help of a small incision, are better. This is because extension procedures performed with an external device may leave scars on the legs. In the combined technique, internal and external fixators can be used together.