To lengthen the legs, patients must undergo surgery to cut the bones and use devices to gradually extend the bones by about 1 mm per day.
At the Central Military Hospital 108 in Hanoi, Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Doan, Director of the Institute of Orthopedics, along with colleagues, has performed hundreds of leg lengthening surgeries.
Among these patients, one had his legs lengthened by 16 cm to ensure they matched the length of the other leg. Many patients who were significantly shorter had both legs extended by 7-10 cm.
According to this expert, this is the only method that can improve height in adults. Many people believe that leg lengthening must be done abroad. However, Associate Professor Doan stated that this technique can be performed entirely in Vietnam. To achieve the new height, patients must undergo a year-long process.
To begin the leg lengthening process, patients must undergo a surgical procedure that includes three steps: inserting nails, installing a fixation frame onto the calf, and cutting the bone. (Photo: BSCC).
Who Can Undergo Leg Lengthening?
Leg lengthening is typically indicated only for individuals with short stature (women under 1.50 m, men under 1.60 m) or those with deformities or disabilities. This technique is not applicable for cases where there is a height difference of no more than 3 cm between the legs. For minimal discrepancies, simple shoe lifts can be a more straightforward solution.
The best age range for leg lengthening is between 20-30 years old, as this is when body height is fully developed. After the age of 35, bones begin to age, making surgery for lengthening less favorable.
The Process of Leg Lengthening
Leg lengthening is not difficult, but it requires persistence and effort to achieve the best results. The process involves three steps: pre-operative preparation, bone cutting surgery, and gradual lengthening post-surgery.
Before deciding on surgery, the doctor needs to conduct a clinical examination of the patient to thoroughly understand their medical history, including reproductive history, physical development during adolescence, onset of puberty, hormonal history, childhood illnesses, and genetic conditions. Evaluating the patient’s psychological condition is also essential for recommending leg lengthening to increase height. These patients typically have a “complex” about their short stature and, most importantly, must have realistic expectations about what leg lengthening surgery can achieve, rather than solely focusing on aesthetics.
Subsequently, patients undergo various clinical and specialized tests to rule out bone pathologies and other systemic conditions that may contraindicate limb lengthening.
When beginning the leg lengthening surgery, patients are anesthetized or given spinal anesthesia and go through three steps: inserting nails, installing a fixation frame onto the calf, and cutting the bone.
The doctor also provides a detailed explanation of the surgical process, hospital stay duration, treatment during and after discharge, estimated treatment time, and potential complications that may arise. Patients must fully understand and be well-prepared for the entire recovery and rehabilitation process post-surgery.
According to Associate Professor Doan, after the surgery, patients receive antibiotics, pain relief medication, and anti-swelling treatments, and are advised to keep their legs elevated for five days, with bandage changes every other day.
- After 3-5 days, patients begin gentle passive exercises for the knee and ankle joints, using a foot distraction device during rest and sleep to prevent complications related to heel shortening.
- 7-10 days later, the doctor will proceed to adjust the frame and guide the patient to operate the frame independently to gradually elongate the bone cut at a rate of 1 mm per day, distributed evenly over three sessions.
- After 5 days, if the bone cut has been adequately elongated, patients can be discharged for outpatient treatment, continuing the process as instructed, approximately 1 mm per day. Patients are regularly reviewed every month to assess the healing progress through X-ray examinations.
During this time, patients must start bearing part of their body weight while standing or walking with crutches in a walking frame.
Once the desired length is achieved, patients are readmitted to the hospital for the removal of two external pins from the intramedullary nail and the external fixation frame. The hospitalization period is approximately 3-5 days.
Upon discharge, patients continue practicing walking with the aid of crutches or a frame, gradually increasing their weight-bearing as the bone heals. They will be fully weight-bearing once the bone healing is confirmed on X-rays. Follow-up examinations are scheduled every two months until the bone is stable. Typically, they need to rest at home for a year to complete the entire process.
No Impact on Lifespan
According to Associate Professor Doan, in principle, to lengthen the legs, the bones must be cut, and devices are used to pull the bones apart. As the two bone segments gradually move apart, a gap is created, and the periosteum serves as a site for new bone growth.
However, the rate of regeneration depends on the individual’s constitution and age. The younger the patient, the faster the regeneration. On average, it takes about 35-40 days for 1 cm of bone to heal sufficiently to be as strong and thick as normal bone after the lengthening process begins.
“As the bones stretch by 1 mm, the cells of the bones, skin, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels also regenerate similarly. The aim of such a slow stretching rate is to allow the cells to compensate adequately,” explained Associate Professor Doan.
This expert emphasizes that this is a complex technique. If the surgeon’s skills are inadequate, complications may arise.
“Complications during surgery can occur, such as improper bone cutting leading to fractures, or damaging blood vessels and nerves. Particularly, infection complications can have severe consequences. If a patient develops osteomyelitis, it is considered a failure. They may also encounter issues like delayed healing, non-union of bones, or insufficient strength of the callus…,” warned Associate Professor Doan.
The expert also mentioned that leg lengthening surgery does not affect the lifespan of the individual as many mistakenly believe. However, after lengthening, the soft tissues (tendons, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments) may not immediately adapt to the new situation. Therefore, patients need to engage in rehabilitation for a period, which can vary in duration depending on the individual and the extent of lengthening.
Once the musculoskeletal system stabilizes and rehabilitation is successful, patients can resume normal activities, including running, playing football, and climbing.
