Leg lengthening/shortening



Definition

Leg lengthening or shortening involves a variety of surgical procedures used to correct legs of unequal lengths, a condition referred to as limb length discrepancy (LLD). LLD occurs because a leg bone grows more slowly in one leg than on the other leg. Surgical treatment is indicated for discrepancies exceeding 1 in (2.5 cm).


Purpose

Leg lengthening or shortening surgery, also known as bone lengthening, bone shortening, correction of unequal bone length, femoral lengthening, or femoral shortening, has the goal of correcting LLD and associated deformities while preserving function of muscles and joints. It is performed to:

Leg lengthening or shortening surgery is usually recommended for severe unequal leg lengths resulting from:

Guidelines for treatment are tailored to patient needs and are usually as follows:

Demographics

According to the Maryland Center for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction, the rate of increase of the leg length difference is progressive in the United States with one-fourth of the LLD present at birth, one-third by age one year, and one-half by age three years in girls and four years in boys.

LLD is common in the general population, with 23% of the population having a discrepancy of 0.4 in (1 cm) or more. One person out of 1000 requires a corrective device such as a shoe lift.


Description

Leg lengthening

Leg lengthening is performed under general anesthesia, so that the patient is deep asleep and can't feel pain. Of the several surgical techniques developed, the Ilizarov method, or variation thereof, is the one most often used. An osteotomy is performed, meaning that the bone to be lengthened is cut, usually the lower leg bone (tibia) or upper leg bone (femur). Metal pins or screws are inserted through the skin and into the bone. Pins are placed above and below the cut in the bone and the skin incision is stitched closed. An external fixator is attached to the pins in the bone, which is used after surgery to gradually pull the cut bone apart, creating a gap between the ends of the cut bone in which new bone growth can occur. The fixator functions much like a bone scaffold and will be used very gradually, so that the bone lengthens in extremely small steps. The original Ilizarov external fixator consists of stainless steel rings connected by threaded rods. Each ring is attached to the underlying bone segment by two or more wires, placed under tension to increase stability, yet maintain axial motion. Titanium pins are also used for

These twin sisters are undergoing leg lengthening treatment. Their mother turns bolts on the external fixators of the leg to increase the distance between the two parts of the the surgically broken bone 1 millimeter a day. (Custom Medical Stock Photo. Reproduced by permission.)
These twin sisters are undergoing leg lengthening treatment. Their mother turns bolts on the external fixators of the leg to increase the distance between the two parts of the the surgically broken bone 1 millimeter a day. (
Custom Medical Stock Photo. Reproduced by permission
.)

supporting the bone segments. Several fixators are available and the choice depends on the desired goal and on specific patient requirements.

Other surgical techniques, such as the Wagner method, or acute lengthening, are used much less commonly. The Wagner technique features more rapid lengthening followed by bone grafting and plating. The advantage of the Ilizarov technique is that it does not require an additional procedure for grafting and plating. However, there are reports indicative of higher pain scores associated with the Ilizarov method and conflicting reports concerning the level of complications associated with each technique.


Leg shortening

Leg shortening surgery is also performed under general anesthesia. Generally, femoral shortening is preferred to

To lengthen a leg surgically, an incision is made in the leg to access the femur (A). A surgical drill is used to weaken the femur so the surgeon can break it. During the operation, screws are drilled into the bone on both sides of the break, and an external fixator is applied (B). The gap between the two pieces of bone is increased gradually (C), so new bone growth results in a longer leg (D). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
To lengthen a leg surgically, an incision is made in the leg to access the femur (A). A surgical drill is used to weaken the femur so the surgeon can break it. During the operation, screws are drilled into the bone on both sides of the break, and an external fixator is applied (B). The gap between the two pieces of bone is increased gradually (C), so new bone growth results in a longer leg (D). (
Illustration by GGS Inc.
)
tibial shortening, as larger resections are possible. Femoral shortening can be performed by open or closed methods at various femur locations. The bone to be shortened is cut, and a section is removed. The ends of the cut bone are joined together, and a metal plate with screws or an inter-medullary rod down the center of the bone is placed across the bone incision to hold it in place during healing.

Epiphysiodesis


Epiphysiodesis is also performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision over the epiphyseal plate at the end of the bone in the longer leg. He then proceeds to destroy the epiphyseal plate by scraping or drilling it to restrict further growth.

Diagnosis/Preparation

LLD is a common problem that is frequently discovered during the growing years. A medical history specific to the problem of limb length discrepancy, is taken by the treating physician to provide information as to the cause of discrepancy, previous treatment, and neuromuscular status of the limb. The patient is first evaluated standing on both legs to assess pelvic obliquity, relative height of the knees, presence of angular deformity, foot size, and heel pad thickness. Overall discrepancy is assessed by having the patient stand with the shorter leg on graduated blocks until the pelvis is leveled. Examination is then performed with the patient prone, hips extended and knees flexed to 90 degrees. In this position, the respective lengths of the femur and tibia segments of the two legs can be compared, and the relative contribution of the difference within each segment to the overall LLD can be roughly assessed.

Imaging studies, such as x rays, are the diagnostic tool of choice to fully evaluate the patient. A leg series of x rays shows the overall picture of the affected leg. The extent of LLD and required alignment can be measured with precision, and bone abnormalities involving specific parts of the leg can also be seen. The x rays are usually repeated at six to 12 month intervals to establish the growth pattern of the limbs. When several determinations of limb length have been compiled, the remaining growth and the ultimate discrepancy between the legs can be calculated, and a treatment plan selected based on predicting future growth and discrepancy, which is in turn dependent on an accurate record of past and present growth. Treatment is rarely started solely on the basis of a single determination of the existing discrepancy in a skeletally immature child. CT scans are not performed routinely but may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis or more accurately measure the amount of discrepancy.

For LLD patients with a nonfunctional foot, most physicians recommend amputation. In patients with a functional foot, the surgical procedure recommendations generally fall into one of the following three groups:

In the case of leg lengthening, the patient is also seen and evaluated for the design of the external fixator before surgery.

One week before surgery, patients are usually scheduled for a blood and urine test. They are asked to have nothing at all to eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery.


Aftercare

After the operation, nursing staff teach patients how to clean and care for the skin around the pins that attach the external fixator to the limb (pinsite care). Patients are also shown how to recognize and treat early signs of infection and not to neglect pinsite care, which takes about 30 minutes every day until the apparatus is removed. It is very important in preventing infection from developing.

After an epiphysiodesis procedure, hospitalization is required for about a week. Occasionally, a cast is placed on the operated leg for some three to four weeks. Healing usually requires from eight to 12 weeks, at which time full activities can be resumed.

In the case of leg shortening surgery, two to three weeks of hospitalization is common. Occasionally, a cast is placed on the leg for three to four weeks. Muscle weakness is common, and muscle-strengthening therapy is started as soon as tolerated after surgery. Crutches are required for six to eight weeks. Some patients may require from six to 12 months to regain normal knee control and function. The intramedullary rod is usually removed after a year.

In the case of leg lengthening surgery, hospitalization may require a week or longer. Intensive physical therapy is required to maintain a normal range of leg motion. Frequent visits to the treating physician are also required to adjust the external fixator and attentive care of the pins holding the device is essential to prevent infection. Healing time depends on the extent of lengthening. A rule of thumb is that each 0.4 in (1 cm) of lengthening requires some 36 days of healing. A large variety of external fixators are now available for use. Today's fixators are very durable, and are generally capable of holding full weight. Most patients can continue many normal activities during the three to six months the device is worn.

Metal pins, screws, staples, rods, or plates are used in leg lengthening/shortening surgery to stabilize bone during healing. Most orthopedic surgeons prefer to plan to remove any large metal implants after several months to a year. Removal of implanted metal devices requires another surgical procedure under general anesthesia.

During the recovery period, physical therapy plays a very important role in keeping the patient's joints flexible and in maintaining muscle strength. Patients are advised to eat a nutritious diet and to take calcium supplements. To speed up the bone healing process, gradual weight-bearing is encouraged. Patients are usually provided with an external system that stimulates bone growth at the site, either an ultrasound device or one that creates a painless electromagnetic field.


Risks

All the risks associated with surgery and the administration of anesthesia exist, including adverse reactions to medications, bleeding and breathing problems.

Specific risks associated with LLD surgery include:

Another serious specific risk associated with leg lengthening/shortening surgery is infection of the pins or wires going through the bone and/or resting on the skin that may result in further bone or skin infections (osteomyelitis, cellulitis, staph infections).


Normal results

Epiphysiodesis usually has good outcomes when performed at the correct time in the growth period, though it may result in an undesirable short stature. Bone shortening may achieve better correction than epiphysiodesis, but requires a much longer convalescence. Bone lengthening is completely successful only 40% of the time and has a much higher rate of complications. Recovery time from leg lengthening surgery varies among patients, with the consolidation phase sometimes lasting a long period, especially in adults. Generally speaking, children heal in half the time as it takes an adult patient. For example, when the desired goal is 1.5 in (3.8 cm) of new bone growth, a child will wear the fixation device for some three months while an adult will need to wear it for six months.


Alternatives

A LLD of 0.8 in (2 cm) or less is usually not a functional problem and non-surgical treatment options are preferred. The simplest forms do not involve surgery:

See also Amputation .


Resources

books

Golyakhovsky, V. and V. H. Frankel. Operative Manual of Ilizarov Techniques. Chicago: Year Book Medical Publishers, 1993.

Maiocchi, A. B. Operative Principles of Ilizarov: Fracture, Treatment, Nonunion, Osteomyelitis, Lengthening Deformity Correction. Phildalephia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 1991.

Menelaus, M. B., ed. The Management of Limb Inequality. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, Pub., 1997.

Watts, H., Williams, M. Who Is Amelia?: Caring for Children With Limb Difference. Rosemont, IL: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 1998.


periodicals

Aarnes, G. T., H. Steen, P. Ludvigsen, L. P. Kristiansen, and O. Reikeras. "High frequency distraction improves tissue adaptation during leg lengthening in humans." Journal of Orthopedic Research 20 (July 2002): 789–792.

Barker, K. L., A. H. Simpson, and S. E. Lamb. "Loss of knee range of motion in leg lengthening." Journal of Orthopedics Sports and Physical Therapy 31 (May 2001): 238–144.

Bidwell, J. P., G. C. Bennet, M. J. Bell, and P. J. Witherow. "Leg lengthening for short stature in Turner's syndrome." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (British) 82 (November 2000): 1174–1176.

Choi, I. H., J. K. Kim, C. Y. Chung, et al. "Deformity correction of knee and leg lengthening by Ilizarov method in hypophosphatemic rickets: outcomes and significance of serum phosphate level." Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 22 (September-October 2002): 626–631.

Kocaoglu, M., L. Eralp, A. C. Atalar, and F. E. Bilen. "Correction of complex foot deformities using the Ilizarov external fixator." Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 41 (January-February 2002): 30–39.

Lee, S. H., G. Szoke, and H. Simpson. "Response of the physis to leg lengthening." Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics 10 (October 2001): 339–343.

Lindsey, C. A., M. R. Makarov, S. Shoemaker, et al. "The effect of the amount of limb lengthening on skeletal muscle." Clinical Orthopedics and Related Research 402 (September 2002): 278–287.

Nanchahal, J. and M. F. Pearse. "Management of soft-tissue problems in leg trauma in conjunction with application of the Ilizarov fixator assembly." Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 111 (March 2003): 1359–1360.

organizations

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 6300 North River Road, Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4262. (847) 823-7186. http://www.aaos.org

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. 515 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois, 60068. (847) 292-2237. (800) 421-2237. http://www.acfas.org/ .

other

"Epiphysiodesis." Institute of Child Health. [cited April 2003]. http://www.ich.ucl.ac.uk/factsheets/test_procedure_operations/epiphysiodesis/index.html .

"Ilizarov Method." Northwestern orthopedics. [cited April 2003]. http://www.orthopedics.northwestern.edu/orthopedics/nmff/ilizarov.htm .

"Leg lengthening/shortening." MedlinePlus. [cited April 2003]. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002965.htm .


Monique Laberge, Ph.D.

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?


Leg lengthening/shortening surgery is performed in a hospital, by a treatment team usually consisting of an experienced orthopedic surgeon and residents specialized in extremity lengthening and deformity correction, physiotherapists, nurses and other qualified orthopedic staff. Orthopedics is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, care and treatment of patients with disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and skin. Orthopedic surgery is a specialty of immense variety, and includes LLD repair.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR




User Contributions:

1
ronke
am 33 years old lady.presently am on partial weight bearing with one crutche.ihave a femoral shortening of 4.5cm.am not comfortable with shoe-rise.i have prepared my mind for sugery for the lengthining.but ineed to know when this can bb done .












-rise
2
Candra
I am 23 years old, I want to lengthen my femur for (2-4cm), what is the best way to do it?
3
aimie martinez
Why do women and some men undergo such expense and suffering?
4
aimie martinez
succesfull story of patients undergo leg lengthening..
5
aimie martinez
how safe the operation??how much? is it affordable??how long it takes in the hospital??
6
nikhila
my brother is 7year old his leg got amputated above knee.he met with an accident.doctor says surgery should be done at as he grows and the bone should be cut.why should it be done?is there any alternate treatment for this?and why should it be done?
7
PV
Hello, please review the picture gallery of the website of Ladisten.com to see successful results/outcomes.
They can cope with even severe cases of limb shortening, PFFD, bowlegs and knock-knees. Hope this helps. Thanks.
8
Lynda
I am 56 years old. I have a two inch shorter right femur as a result of an accident when I was 19 years old. I have been wearing external lifts of my right shoes all these years. I am planning on having a leg lengthening surgery this year and am getting orthopedic consults. I would like to communicate with some adults who have had this surgery. There are different methods and I am trying to get educated about those.
Please contact me is you have information. Thanks.
9
kamal sharma
My six year old son having the LH Leg shortning approx. 30 mm and fibula bone is missing By Birth. What we have to do ?
How much expencive the whole treatement?
10
Sorravee
What is suitable age for doing this surgery?
I am 16 right now and I would like to do a 5 or 6 cm surgery so i could go out with my friends
11
Mwangi
My son, he is 4 now, tips on his right leg. He unable to step his foot down with his right leg and so he tips.
Can be done to correct this abnormality?
Thanks.
Mwangi.
Hello. Jesus Christ has used me several times to heal this condition. I know that this sounds far-fetched, but it is something that can be done in two minutes or less. With a prayer and command in the name of Jesus we will watch the short leg grow out to match the longer leg. I have search out this forum because I want to help people with this condition. God has given me the ability to do it, and I feel grieved in my spirit when I am not doing what he has given me the power to do. I want AbSOLUTELY NOTHING for doing this, just for Jesus Christ to get the praise.

If this sounds like something that is totally crazy and far-fetched, then I would ask you to go to youtube and type in "legs growing out", etc. and see that this is being done all over the country and the world. There is a major outpouring of God's spirit right now. I earnestly want to bring and end to this condition because it is something that can be taken care of in less than two minutes, probably less than a minute. The beautiful part is that God knows the reason for the limb discrepency, and he takes care of what needs to be taken care of--the limb just grows out.

If all else fails, ask yourself what do you have to lose and consider a life without the pain and discomfort of having a shorter limb. I live in the Atlanta Metro Area. God Bless!
Rock
13
Loida A. Monteclaro
I had a patint with achondroplasia. She underwent leg lengthening. What I don't understand is why the right femur and left tibia was done and not both right & left tibia or right and left femur?
I nid to get in touch with Rock, the guy who heal LLM through prayers please.Judy.Kenya.
my son is right leg is 2cm longer than the other because he fracture his femur when he was 7yrs old, right now he is 14years old and got some growing, the doctor want to do surgery to correct the problem a epiphysiodesis with plate. my question is will this surgery really work and how long is the recovery. The doctor explain everything but i still searching for infomations.
16
Valerie`
I'm a 49 year-old woman with a LLD of almost an inch. I have orthotics, but unless I wear them every minute of the day, I have intense pain in my back and hip. When I wear my orthotics, my knees start hurting terribly and I lose my stability. I broke my ankle almost 2 years ago and I still have pain almost all the time whether I'm wearing my orthotics or not. I can hardly wear any shoes because of the orthotics, and I am sick of being in pain all the time. My leg, foot and ankle are numb a large part of the time; I believe the thigh is due to sciatica and the ankle from ankle surgery I had to fix the ligament after I broke it. Is femur shortening worth it at this point in my life?
17
Bill
My left leg has had 2 surgeries to fuse it at the knee,both
failed.My left leg is 2 or more inches shorter then my good
leg,because a knee replacement had to be taken out due to a
staph infection(MRSA) in the bones.
My question,is a leg lengthening surgery an option for my
condition?
i was involved in a ghastly motor accident seven years ago and had 5cm shortening on my right leg.after the surgery then, a k-nail was attached to my leg, it got broken and another was attached after that one was removed. The k-nail was finally removed two years after the second operation cos it was a source of discomfort to me. i now have terrible waist pain as a result of the shortening and pains on my spine. Im now 46 years old and will like to know if this abnormality can still be corrected. I am using shoe raise but it seems to be of not much effect. What should i do.
19
Tim Baldwin
Male at 54.75, lower r. leg has been shortened by 3/4-1", my tibia and fibula were broken in '75 due to a motocross crash when 17. Tibia healed after the lower portion of it moved up & behind the upper half. It probably would have ended up better if a pin or screw was used. I was thinking of exercising ankle & knee muscles but think it might be easier to lengthen bone w/o additional muscle added.
20
Rahul Sharma
after accident i feel some diffrence in my legs. my left leg is big but my right leg is aprox. 1.5 inche small. so i want anything for equall to my right and left legs. plz tell me any solutions. thank you sir.
21
Laura
I have a friend that claims to have had her leg shortened after having a motorcycle accident many decades ago so that her legs were the same length. She shows no signs of scaring on either leg of any surgery for shortening procedure. How can this be.? What type of scar would be present on a person that would have this procedure? According to her it was to shorten her leg about 2 inches. I have seen her in short skirts and in shorts that go about about 2 inches below her groin. Should the scar be visible? Please let me know.. Thank you.
22
Laura
I have a friend that claims to have had her leg shortened after having a motorcycle accident many decades ago so that her legs were the same length. She shows no signs of scaring on either leg of any surgery for shortening procedure. How can this be.? What type of scar would be present on a person that would have this procedure? According to her it was to shorten her leg about 2 inches. I have seen her in short skirts and in shorts that go about about 2 inches below her groin. Should the scar be visible? Please let me know.. Thank you.
23
VINEET SONI
I met with accident in INDIA, i got fracture in my femur bone seems one inch below from upper side of straight bone, after inserting rod and putting nails my x-rays shows a inclined portion of upper side fractured bone .Kindly suggest should i go for another fresh operation or it can be matched after a period of time.
24
Matthew
I am 14 years old and on february 17, 2012 I had an external fixator put on my left leg because it was not as long as my other leg by a few inches so my doctor from eastern maine medical center decieded that I needed surgery to correct the problem or im going to have a lot of pain when I get older. any way I wanted to ask a few questions then I am wondering how much dose the surgery cost. My first question is I have been going through a lot of pain and the doctors and nurses at the hospital keep asking me to do stuff that causes me pain I was wondering am I progressing slower than I they need me to or is pain something I just need to get use to becuase Im going to have to just suuck it up?
25
Jamie
I am 14 and my legs are really long ad they make me to unproportional, and I'm thinking about gettin this procedure done, but I was wondering how much it costs, I'm thinking about getting 2-3 inches off
26
Carla
WheRe can you get femoral shortening done in australia on Bothe legs.
No accident - have really long legs
27
bob
I got lld due to hemihypertrophy. What would the cost of limb shortening surgery be? I take insurance would not cover this?
28
Marwa
Hi every one I'm tall than my husband by 3 cm I'm thinking of doing leg shortening I want to know the cost and who long I'll take to start walking again
29
neo mathew
age 22.bone fracture .2cm lengh shortenin in thigh.i want to know whether i can walk or run normaly without having a lift in shoes.is it noticeable?please reply
30
sharadha
october 22, 2012 @ 12.08am
I am 31 years old, I want to lengthen my femur for (2-4cm), what is the best way to do it?
31
farma
I am 20 years old.after neonatal sepsis i sustain septic arthritis.led to progressive femur discripency.i had first operation ten years ago. for femur lenthening about 10 cm .now,i had another 10cm discrepecy.if i did the same operation is there any effect on tendons, nerves, muscle, vesseles,or my foot.what should i do...thanks
32
Bradley
I am 15 and I am 176-177cm tall. I hate being tall everyday I wake up i measure myself to make sure that I haven't grown taller. I drink coffee every morning and even though I know that its only an old wives tale that drinking coffee stunts your growth I still do it anyway in the slight hope that it will contribute to stopping me from growing. I constantly check my with with people walking by and if they are the same height i look at them to see how tall i actaully look. i absolutely hate being this height. Is there anyway you can help me in shortening my legs or stunting my growth! I am looking at getting this surgery done but i just want to know how much it is going to cost and where in australia you can get it. IF you c an help me you would truely be helping me please :(
33
Anne
Hello,

I'm 27 years old and want a cosmetic leg shortening surgery. Now I'm 169 cm but I want to be 163 cm in the afternoon. It means everything for me to be 163 cm again and I have had this big wish for more than 10 years now. Someone who has had a leg shortening surgery done?

Kind regards,
Anne
34
Steve
Hi,

I am 27 and I was wondering if cosmetic leg shortening surgery is an option for someone with marfan syndrome? marfan syndrome causes many health abnormalities, my biggest concern being the heart related aortic stress
35
Maaz
Hello,
I am 22 now. I fall down from 2nd floor when i was in 2nd class(6 years old approx) and got fracture on right hip. My right leg is shorter than left(about 2 inch). It was lesser previously. But now it increased and now it will not increased further. Can you please help me in this, should i go for hip replacement surgery?
Please rep ASAP. THANKS
36
Jeanie
Hello,
I am 14 years old and Ive ben thinking about the surgery treatment for shortening my leg I am tired of the shoe lift ive had fot about 3 years now and I just wanted to know you guys surgery went for shortening your leg
37
Shay
I am 21 years old and I would like to know if if be able to get leg shortening by 4-5 inches money and time won't be an issue I just need this procedure.
38
erepamo
I'm 31 4rm nigeria,i was five when it all happened on my right leg without any cause,now i have a short leg of 8-10inchs,pls elighting on how to go about it and the cost involved thanks.
39
Lil
Hello,
I 32 Female and im very tall, I believe I have grown since leaving school and even after the age of 25. I fell like ive grown taller then the girls I went to high school with. I want to be shorter. could you please give me an indication of cost, recovery time, procedure involvement and if anyone can chose to have this done?
40
brianna
Hello, I'm 6'1 and my fiance is 5'6 I would love to have more information about leg shortening. I wanted to atop growing at 5'8 and thats where I want to be if I get this surgery done.
Where can I do Leg shortening I'm 18 and 190cm
If someone know where please answer quick as possible
42
siddesh
I am 27 aged male when I was 15 my right leg femur was broken after surgery leg bbecoming short now approx 3 5 inch short using known what to do
43
Peter
70 years old. Expect to have left knee replacement soon due to arthritis. Left leg is 1 1/2 inches longer than the right due to early life ankle injury. Can left leg be shortened during knee replacement?
44
dorothy phiri
Question:am 38 was shot in the leg bone was shattered and metal was replaced. This resulted into a shortening of 4.5cm. Would like to know if a much lengther metal could be place to balance the other leg because the shorten affects my spine a lot. This happened when I was 24 years
45
Patali
Hi,
I'm 26 years old.I'm taller than the average girls in my age.also want to know the cost for this type of a surgery.
Thanks.
46
Sukhman
I'm 29 years old n jst wandering is that safe and without any risk to increse my both legs length by this surgery . And how much it cost mi in Aussie Dollors and where I can do this opration. Thank you
47
Zainab
Hi my name us zainab. I am 22 years old . I am suffering from a disease called osteomalacia . However I had many fractures when i was young . Due to this my left leg shortened by 1 inch. In 2014 I had another operation because I fell and rod was inserted in my left leg . But this operation caused another half inch shortening . Altogether my left leg in 1.5 inches shorter than left leg. What should I do ? Is this procedure very painful ?
48
charles
I am 29 years old. What kind of food or fruit will i be taking, so that my bones will heal fast
49
Wesley
Hi I'm 34 male with my right leg shorter about 1inch that gives me a lots of problems with my lower back pain ,pain in my hip ,my knee and ankle that hurts and bends inward . I also started getting radiating pain down my right leg
After seeing my caropracter he told me that his seeing some scoliosis in me .
My situation is getting worst from year to year so is the pain . What shoul I do ? Would the leg shortening help or work in my case?
50
Wesley
Hi I'm 34 male with my right leg shorter about 1inch that gives me a lots of problems with my lower back pain ,pain in my hip ,my knee and ankle that hurts and bends inward . I also started getting radiating pain down my right leg
After seeing my caropracter he told me that his seeing some scoliosis in me .
My situation is getting worst from year to year so is the pain . What shoul I do ? Would the leg shortening help or work in my case?
51
Wesley
Hi I'm 34 male with my right leg shorter about 1inch that gives me a lots of problems with my lower back pain ,pain in my hip ,my knee and ankle that hurts and bends inward . I also started getting radiating pain down my right leg
After seeing my caropracter he told me that his seeing some scoliosis in me .
My situation is getting worst from year to year so is the pain . What shoul I do ? Would the leg shortening help or work in my case?
52
Rachel
I'm 44years old and when I was 11 I had the growth plates stapled in my longer leg so that the other could catch up in length. the surgery was a success and for the past 33 years I haven't had any issues until just recently. I have experienced unusual nerve sensivity and lasting pain around the incision site. This particularly seems to be true if I kneel or nudge the area ever so slightly. Keep in mind, I hadn't felt much of anything for quite sometime in that area as my scars are quite noticeable. Is it possible that the staples shift, loosen, or even break over time creating these pains? These pains almost feel as though my skin is being pinched or aggravated from the inside.
53
kwanz
Hi I am 20 yrs old. I am tallet thsn my peers so I'm considering this type of surgery. . Please tell the cost and where does it take place?
My name is narendra kumar I'm 23 years old 3 years I get big accident on right leg femur part after 4 surgeries my leg become short 2 inches short I get bone grafting surgery 2 times but no result pls help me how to increase my leg length is there any excersise to increase my length I can't face any surgeries pls help me
55
Andrea Thomas
My granddaughter had leg lengthening surgery and now tippy toes really bad on right foot,what can be done.
56
Maria
where is the limb shortening surgery done for cosmetic purposes
please am 22 and I had an accident dat resulted to a shorten limb from the femure is about 2cm shorter and after surgery for 2times it becomes 5cm shorter please wat vwil I do because am having a severe waist pain pls help me
58
Shobhana Bhalerao
Hi, I am 25 years old. I have gone through lengthing surgery. How much time bone will take to heal?
59
tiyezye
Am tiyezye aged 24 with an anylosed left hip joint. the affected limb is short by 6cm. the problem started on its on when i was 10 years i just felt a sharp pain in the hip when x-rays were done it was found that there was a dislocation of the left hip joint and a fracture which was about 5cm. is it possible the limb can be lengthened by 6cm. which place is best for orthopedic surgery in Africa?
60
Rudy
I born with length deformation when I reach 35 years old I had an extantion surgery to the left femure .after the surgery my both femure r even now , but I stil have olmst 2cm different between my tippy is their any surgery can fix this problem
61
Hina jafri
I also have the issue of shortening of right leg,, when I was two yearz old that time I got infection in my right leg but with the passage of time it spreaded all over the right leg then bone cracked & Dr Naeem operated me 5 times, then I recovered but now m 25 yrz old now have issue of shortness of leg .. how can I improve it's length.. ??
62
Jamila
My baby boy was 2 months old when i got to know that his left femur is short .now he is 8 months old doctors are having a continuous checkup on him.please tell me at which age shall i go for this LLD process.i can not see him like this .
63
md jawed
Due to accident I got leg shortening so leg lenthening process started by elizarov method , shortening is around 7.5cm(from base to heel).due to my ankle is bend and stiff ,so claw foot length increasing ,36 days completed,gap is around 34mm in tibia bone as xray ankle exercise not giving result .pl. give advice
64
Natalia Simkovicova
Which countries perform leg shortening? It seems like this procedure is not done in my country
65
Prince sinha
Hii i m prince 22 years old i have an accident and my case is prostior hip dislocation and shaft of femur but after till 1month my hip has not locate thats reason of my femoral head was totally destoryed that my thr surgery has successful but femur is 2.5cm short if you have any solution about shorteing .pls help me
66
Rajat yadav
Im 23 yrs old my femur bone is become long in size so what should i do that my femur bome become short
67
Dora
I’m 49 year, my legs are very short, it is possible,surgery make bee longer. It’s embarrassing me hole my life.
Thank you.
68
Hugh Janus
My leg is shorter than my arms so they drag on the ground. I need to fix it.
69
saib
hi i wonder how much it costs bone shortening
I have been looking for this operation for many years other question is can you shorten 12cm or10cm
contact me mail or mig number, 0727829639
70
Rana
My son is 16 years has leg longer than other leg why and can doctor fix it?
71
Rina
What is the cost of femur shortening on both legs and where is it done for the cosmetic surgery?
72
Nikhil Sonavale
I have done my femoral limb lengthing and increased the height about 8.5 cm and
5 month is done .my leg is not bend . How much time for recover the whole process.
73
Karthik
What is the cost for shortening the leg. Please reply in mail. I am feeling bad because of my height. So please reply as soon as possible
74
Sarina
I am 35 yrs 5 feet 9 inches tall girl. What is the cost for shortening the leg and where it is done? In India it is performed or not? Please reply.
75
Graeme Durran
Hi I 66 years old and have had degenerative arthritis in both ankles. I had my right ankle fused about 8 years it it was a partial success but I need a second operation as some of the holding screws had worked there way loose and was giving me excessive pain,after 2nd fusion it has been great touch wood for the last 5 years.About 2 years ago I started having issues with my left ankle ( arthritis ) and my quality of life was very ordinary to say the least so I went ahead with ankle fusion again, first operation failed to get ant fusion so I has a secondary operation which also failed for lack of fusion. I sought advice form several surgeons including my initial one, all gave me the same advice .If I was to have any quality of life I should have the lower section of my leg amputated or seek out a surgeon that has expertise in operating / applying the illarov frame and then cutting away bad bone/ankle joint then cutting out and basically regrowing my lost length. I am 3 months into it at the moment and I have nearly reached the required length of 4cm of bone which was lost. Tomorrow I see my surgeon again after xrays and we will compare what has occurred in the last 3 weeks. If anyone would like to chat about the operation and what you need to know I would only be too happy to assist. I read many different publications on this operation but really I dont think it prepared me for what laid ahead so I can help anyone it would be my pleasure
76
OLAIYA, TEMITOPE
My name is Olaiya, Temitope 57yrs male. I had a gun shot (AK47) which left an open fracture of my distal shaft of the right femur, just 1inch away from my kneel cap on Tuesday 23RD of January, 2018. I was admitted in an orthopedic hospital, where I received drug treatment and wound dressing. Until 2nd of May, 2018. I underwent open Reduction internal Fixation (14-hole broad plate and 6 cortical screws ) I was discharged on the 15th of May, 2018 and continue treatment as out patient basis. NOTE: After the surgery my right leg become 6inches shorter than the other. Also I cannot bend the kneel, am presently under going physiotherapy. All I want now is to do lengthening (ILLIZAROV TECHNIQUE ) so that it will become equal. Kindly, send me the cost price to do it.
77
Ron
Hi I am 29 year old female I broke my right femur 2 years ago titanium rods were place to fix the femur, however due to how the bone broke my leg became shorter by 3 inches .I am unable to run due to fair of falling I once was very athletic I would like to return to being that person
LLd article nice and helpful to take discion for surgery
79
Mohammed labeeb
Iam tall guy. I need to shortening surgery for legs how much cost need and where is the place
80
Arpan
Hi, Arpan here. I had length increasing surgery when I was 9, it was done to restore the right leg which was growing slowly due to broken femur when I was 1. the surgery went well some compromises came with it and I have happily lived with it. Now the situation is the same again as my left leg was growing till I was 26 and now it is longer by 2.5 incheses.So this time rather operating on the same leg I have decided to shorten the left leg to balance out lengths and shortening surgery take less time compare to lengthening surgery (Till complete recovery).
81
nisha
hi one of my friend is facing the problem of shot leg and his ankle is going to right side due to has some accident in 2006 so what is the best solution of this or is the only solution of surgery kindly suggest.
thanks
82
Christina Garlock
At 48 I was it by an 18 wheeler. He came across a medium on an interstate and hit me head on. It left me was a 2 inch leg difference. I just had my 'LL surgery. Pretty sure if you've had this surgery you'll have scars. And for me the pain has been intense. I am know 52 as of tomorrow. My surgeon has been amazing.
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mikinze
hi my name is mikinze and I am 13 and I was wondering if you have to have uneven legs to get this surgery. because I am tall for my age, and I want to get this surgery because I don't like the fact that I am tall. and in class everyone talks about how tall I am and even my family. so can I still get the surgery even though I have " normal" legs?
84
May
I am 16 and done growing can I get my bones shortened for cosmetic reasons? How much is the cost and is their doctors that will preform it? Thank you

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