Children’s Orthopaedic & Spine Care Center

Limb Lengthening and Height Gain procedures

Limb Lengthening Treatment for children / Height Gain procedures

Limb lengthening is a process by which our limbs—upper or lower—are made longer. This treatment is often required when one limb is shorter than the other due to congenital conditions like hemimelia or congenital shortening of the femur (thigh bone). Limb shortening can also result from growth arrest caused by infections, injuries, or other conditions. In many cases, a deformity accompanies the shortening and is corrected simultaneously during the procedure.

Limb lengthening procedures are performed on the shorter limb or limb segment to equalize limb lengths. For individuals with significant lengthening goals (15 cm or more), the treatment may require multiple surgeries over time. Additionally, limb lengthening surgery can also be applied bilaterally to increase height. This transformative procedure is commonly sought by individuals with genetic conditions causing short stature or by those desiring height enhancement.

Limb lengthening involves advanced surgical techniques to safely and effectively address discrepancies, restore alignment, and improve functionality. With proper planning and execution, these procedures can provide life-changing results for patients.

 

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Height Enhancement surgery: A 14-year-old female child with severe shortening. Both the Tibiae (Leg bones) are being lengthened.
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5 cm lengthening and height gain has been achieved with fully strong new bone formation. This girl will undergo 3 further height enhancement surgeries in order to achieve a ‘functional height’.

How does an operation actually make a limb longer and increase height? How do we do height adding surgery?

The method to biologically lengthen bone was pioneered by Prof. Gavriil Ilizarov, a Russian doctor. He developed a technique called Distraction Osteogenesis, which creates new bone by gradually increasing the gap between surgically divided bone ends. As the gap widens and fills with new bone, surrounding soft tissues—nerves, blood vessels, and muscles—also adapt and lengthen proportionally, a phenomenon known as distraction histogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis remains the foundation for all modern limb lengthening procedures. The technique allows for predictable and safe bone lengthening. For instance, lengthening a lower limb bone segment by up to 4 cm is considered safe in a single procedure. In some cases, two segments, such as the femur and tibia, can be lengthened simultaneously or sequentially to achieve a total of 8 cm. Repeat lengthening of the same bone is possible after an interval of three years, allowing for significant cumulative gains over time.

This advanced technique has transformed limb lengthening surgeries, offering effective solutions for addressing limb length discrepancies and achieving desired height increases.

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Immediately after surgery
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Shows gradual elongation of bone with creation of gap in the divided bone
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Shows gradual elongation of bone with creation of gap in the divided bone
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Shows bone filling in the gap.
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Shows bone filling in the gap.
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Shows the bone as completely healed. The femur bone is longer by 4.5 cms. Fixator was removed at this stage.
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Shows the external lengthening device (Fixator).

How Do I proceed with Limb Lengthening Surgery in India or a Height Adding surgery?

Book an Appointment

Timing :

  • 10:00AM – 4:00PM
    OR
  • Book a video consultation
  • Write to us at  and send all the relevant investigations and clinical details.
+919810336332

Call Us

cosclinic@gmail.com

Mail Us

Pre-Surgery Preparation

  • Have a physical evaluation with Dr. Sarup and his team on the appointment day.
  • A scanogram X-ray will be conducted, and a detailed treatment plan will be formulated and discussed with you.
  • Blood tests and pre-anesthesia checks will be completed. A surgery date, pre-operative instructions, and a cost estimate will be provided.

Discussion and Planning

  • Write down any questions you may have to discuss during the consultation.
  • Share any special requirements, such as the need for physiotherapy or home-based care. Our team can arrange home visits for dressings and physiotherapy if needed.
  • Prepare for lifestyle adjustments, such as working or studying from home for a few months.
  • Ensure access to mobility aids like walkers and crutches. Our physiotherapists will train you on their use and guide you with exercises.

Surgery Day

  • Patients are typically admitted 2-3 hours before surgery.
  • Final checks will be performed, consent forms signed, and the patient will proceed to surgery.
  • Dr. Sarup and his team will update you post-surgery about the procedure and recovery steps.

Post-Surgery Care

  • Weekly follow-ups at the outpatient clinic will continue until the lengthening process is complete.
  • After the fixator is removed, it usually takes at least a month to regain reasonable mobility and return to normal activities.

Commitment to Success
Limb lengthening surgery is a meticulous process requiring detailed planning and dedicated aftercare. The procedure, while transformative, demands effort and cooperation from both patients and families. At COSCC, our expert team is committed to providing personalized care to achieve the best outcomes.

Types of Limb lengthening systems and devices

External fixator – Mono-lateral external fixator

In this lengthening device, the pins are applied to one side of the limb, and the fixator sits on one side – usually outer aspect of the thigh or the front side of the leg

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Limb lengthening treatment in children: This 5 year old is undergoing limb enlargement surgery / lengthening with a mono-lateral external fixator.

Circular external fixator system – Ilizarov type

Here, the system has metal rings that encircle the limb. The pins attach to the rings. This design is close to the classical system for limb lengthening

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This 7 year old girl is having her femur (thigh bone) lengthened over a classical ring fixator – Ilizarov type.

Circular external fixator – Hexapod external fixator

This device uses 2 rings connected by a hexapod frame. The lengthening is planned out, and a computer software programme devises a lengthening plan. This system is more useful where the limb shortening is accompanied by a deformity.

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Limb lengthening surgery in India: This 14 year old has a complex deformity with severe shortening. Both deformity correction and lengthening is being carried out over a hexapod frame. This system is exact and the lengthening program is guided by computer software

Internal Lengthening device – Magnetic lengthening Nail system.

This is a new system now available in India. A magnetic lengthening Nail device is inserted into the bone to be lengthened. The entire device is internal and not visible. Lengthening is achieved 3-4 times a day by placing a magnet driver over the leg to achieve a distraction of 1 mm per day.

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Limb lengthening surgery in India : The metal self-elongating device is inserted surgically within the bone. There is no external device. A remote hand-held controller activates the lengthening of the nail. The discomfort and inconvenience is minimal by this method

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section below.

What is the name of the surgery to increase height?

  • The surgery to increase height is called Limb Lengthening Surgery, often performed using advanced techniques like the Ilizarov method or Precice nail system.

How does height increase surgery work?

  • Height increase surgery involves gradually lengthening the bones in the legs using specialized devices. This process stimulates bone regeneration in the gap created during surgery.

How much height can be increased by surgery?

  • Typically, height increase surgery can add 5-8 cm in one procedure. Additional height can be achieved with subsequent surgeries after a gap of 2-3 years.

Where can I get limb lengthening surgery in Gurgaon?

  • Gurgaon is home to several reputed orthopedic centers, including Child Ortho Spine Care, offering expert limb lengthening surgery with modern techniques and experienced surgeons.

How long does limb lengthening surgery take?

  • The surgery itself takes a few hours, but the overall process, including bone lengthening and recovery, spans 3-6 months depending on the desired height increase.