Limb Lengthening Surgery

Limb Lengthening Surgery in India by Dr. Divya Ahuja

Limb lengthening surgery is a life-changing procedure that helps patients with leg length discrepancies, deformities, or short stature achieve better balance, mobility, and confidence.

At Deformity Correction Clinic, under the guidance of Dr. Divya Ahuja, one of India’s leading orthopaedic surgeons specialising in deformity correction and the Ilizarov method, patients receive world-class care with proven results. With clinics across Mumbai and Pune, Dr. Ahuja and his team provide comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals seeking safe and effective limb lengthening.

Limb lengthening surgery is a specialised orthopaedic procedure that gradually increases the length of a bone, usually in the leg. The process relies on the body’s natural ability to generate new bone and soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels) when carefully stimulated.

Techniques Used in Limb Lengthening:

Ilizarov Method: A proven technique using an external fixator frame.
Hexapod and Circular Frames: Allow precise adjustments in multiple planes.
Internal Lengthening Nails (PRECICE): Advanced implants that avoid external frames in select cases.

Common Question: How does limb lengthening surgery work?
👉 The bone is surgically cut, and a device is applied. As the device is gradually adjusted, the bone slowly grows longer, with new bone filling in the gap.

Limb lengthening is recommended for both medical and cosmetic reasons.

Medical Indications:

Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD): Caused by childhood injuries, infections, or growth plate issues.
Congenital Disorders: Conditions like fibular hemimelia or achondroplasia.
Post-Traumatic Shortening: When a fracture heals in a shortened position.
Growth Plate Arrest: Due to infections, tumours, or fractures.

Cosmetic Indications:

Short stature in otherwise healthy individuals.
Desire for improved height and confidence.

Common Question: Am I a candidate for limb lengthening surgery?
👉 Patients should be healthy, motivated, and prepared for months of rehabilitation. Dr. Ahuja carefully evaluates each case before recommending surgery.

How Does Limb Lengthening Surgery Work? | Step-by-Step

Dr. Divya Ahuja follows a well-structured treatment pathway to ensure precision and safety:

Pre-Operative Planning – X-rays, CT scans, and software planning to calculate correction.
Osteotomy – A controlled surgical cut in the bone.
Device Placement – External fixator or internal nail applied.
Latency Phase – 5–7 days where the body prepares to regenerate bone.
Distraction Phase – Device is adjusted daily, lengthening bone by ~1 mm/day.
Consolidation Phase – Newly formed bone hardens over weeks/months.
Removal & Rehabilitation – Device is removed once bone is strong, followed by physiotherapy.

Common Questions:

How long does limb lengthening surgery take?
👉 The surgery itself takes a few hours, but the entire process (lengthening + healing) can take several months.

How many cm can you grow with limb lengthening?
👉 Typically, 5–8 cm per limb is achievable, depending on patient condition.

Benefits:

Restores limb balance & walking symmetry.
Corrects deformities caused by congenital or acquired conditions.
Improves mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
Cosmetic benefit: increased height and confidence.

Risks (and How Dr. Ahuja Minimises Them):

Pin site infections – managed with proper care.
Joint stiffness – reduced with physiotherapy.
Delayed healing – addressed by close monitoring and nutrition.
Nerve/muscle tightness – minimised by controlled distraction rates.

Common Question: Is limb lengthening surgery safe?
👉 Yes, in experienced hands like Dr. Ahuja’s, it is safe. Regular follow-up and physiotherapy are essential for the best results.

Recovery after limb lengthening is a journey. Dr. Ahuja provides a personalised rehab plan for every patient.

Recovery Timeline:

Hospital Stay: 4–7 days.
Distraction Phase: 1–3 months (depending on length required).
Consolidation Phase: 3–6 months.
Return to Normal Activities: 9–12 months post-surgery.

Rehabilitation Includes:

Daily exercises under physiotherapist guidance.
Pain management protocols.
Nutritional guidance for bone healing.
Emotional & psychological support.

Common Questions:

How painful is limb lengthening surgery?
👉 Initial discomfort is normal but managed with pain medications and therapy.

How long is the recovery?
👉 Most patients resume normal walking within 9–12 months.