Methods of Leg LengtheningTreatments
Lengthening Methods
LON
LON (Lengthening Over Nail) Method is a Lengthening method that is done by placing an internally and externally combined fixator inside the leg bone. Despite being cheaper, this method is rather more painful than other methods. Also, regular excerices and physical therapy are must during lengthening. Carrying an external device on your legs may not be comfortable. However, it allows the patient to walk from day one. This hybrid fixator is also easy to use since the lengthening is done by the patient themselves.
• External - Internal Combined Device
• Bone Healing:
- 6 Months
• Full Recovery:
- 9-12 Months
• Max Femur Lengthening:
- 10 cm (4 inch)
• Max Tibia Lengthening:
- 7 cm (2,7 inch)
• Total Lengthening Possible:
- 17 cm (6,7 inch)
- ( + ) The patient is able to walk from day 1
- ( + ) Budget-friendly option
- ( + ) Shorter recovery time
- ( - ) External Fixator Usage
- ( - ) More painful than other methods
- ( - ) Moderate scars in the pin areas
- ( - ) Requires pin care
PRECISE 2
The Precice 2 method is an internal fixation method that uses a titanium nail inserted inside the bone. Lengthening is done by a magnet device. During the lengthening phase, patients usually require a carer and bound to a wheelchair since this method does not allow the patient to give load to their legs. Regular exercise and physical therapy is a must on this method. This method offers the minimum pain, scars and most comfortable lengthening process.
• Internal Device
• Bone Healing:
- 6 Months
• Full Recovery:
- 9-12 Months
• Max Femur Lengthening:
- 8 cm (3 inch)
• Max Tibia Lengthening:
- 7 cm (2,7 inch)
• Total Lengthening Possible:
- 17 cm (5,7 inch)
- ( + ) No devices can be seen from outside
- ( + ) Minor pain
- ( + ) Comfortable
- ( + ) Little to no scars
- ( + ) Does not require pin care
- ( - ) Expensive option
- ( - ) The patient is unable to walk during lengthening
- ( - ) Requires a company or caregiver at the beginning
QUADRILATERAL LON + PRECISE
Quadrilateral LON&Precise 2 surgery is applying the LON and Precise 2 method for the both femur and tibia at the same time. This Method has an age limit of 18-32 and is not recommended for everyone. Since this is a hybrid method, it does not allow walking due to limitations of Precise method.
• Internal - External Combined Devices
• Bone Healing:
- 6-8 Months
• Full Recovery:
- 12 Months
• Max Femur Lengthening:
- 10 cm (4 inch)
• Max Tibia Lengthening:
- 7 cm (2,7 inch)
• Total Lengthening Possible:
- 17 cm (6,7 inch)
- ( + ) Double times faster lengthening.
- ( - ) The patient is unable to walk during lengthening
- ( - ) External Fixator Usage
- ( - ) Requires pin care
- ( - ) Has an age limit of 18-32
- ( - ) Higher chance for complications
QUADRILATERAL PRECISE
Quadrilateral PRECISE 2 surgery is applying of the PRECISE 2 method for the both femur and tibia at the same time. This Method has an age limit of 18-32 and is not recommended for everyone.
• Internal Devices
• Bone Healing:
- 6-8 Months
• Full Recovery:
- 12 Months
• Max Femur Lengthening:
- 8 cm (3 inch)
• Max Tibia Lengthening:
- 7 cm (2,7 inch)
• Total Lengthening Possible:
- 15 cm (5,7 inch)
- ( + ) Double times faster lengthening.
- ( + ) No devices can be seen from outside
- ( + ) Minor pain
- ( + ) Comfortable
- ( + ) Little to no scars
- ( + ) Does not require pin care
- ( - ) The patient is unable to walk during lengthening
- ( - ) Has an age limit of 18-32
- ( - ) Higher chance for complications