Limb Lengthening Treatment in India
About Limb Lengthening
Key Highlights
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Corrects significant limb length discrepancies to improve posture and gait.Can address both congenital conditions and injuries acquired later in life.Utilizes the body's natural bone regeneration ability (distraction osteogenesis).Offers both functional improvement and potential cosmetic enhancement.Modern techniques include internal devices (precice nails) for greater patient comfort.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital limb deficiencies or deformities (e.g., hemimelia).
- Significant limb length discrepancy (>2 cm) from growth plate injury or fracture malunion.
- Discrepancies due to infections like osteomyelitis or diseases such as polio.
- Dwarfism (e.g., achondroplasia) for stature lengthening (controversial/elective).
- Post-traumatic or post-surgical shortening of a limb.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive orthopedic evaluation with physical exam and detailed gait analysis.
- Precise imaging including full-length standing X-rays and often CT scans for planning.
- Nutritional assessment and optimization to support bone healing.
- Psychological counseling to prepare for the lengthy and demanding recovery process.
- Pre-operative physiotherapy to strengthen muscles around the affected limb.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgeon.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection, particularly with external fixation devices (pins and wires).
- Nerve or blood vessel damage during surgery or distraction.
- Delayed union or non-union of the new bone (regenerate).
- Joint stiffness, contractures, or dislocation.
- Pain during the distraction and consolidation phases.
- Hardware-related issues (breakage, irritation, premature consolidation).
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Initial hospitalization for surgery and early pain management.
- Distraction Phase: Patient or caregiver turns the device several times daily to slowly separate bone segments (approx. 1 mm per day).
- Physiotherapy: Crucial and ongoing to maintain joint mobility, muscle strength, and function.
- Consolidation Phase: Once desired length is achieved, the new bone must harden, which takes approximately twice as long as the distraction phase.
- Monitoring: Regular follow-up X-rays to monitor bone formation and alignment.
- Device Removal: External fixators are removed after consolidation; internal nails may be removed in a later surgery.
- Full recovery and return to high-impact activities may take 12-18 months or longer.
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Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
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Expected recovery time:
12-18 months (full recovery)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering limb lengthening in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for limb lengthening in India include Medanta The Medicity, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Miot Hospital Chennai, Nanavati Max Hospital, Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform limb lengthening. MediFyr helps you compare orthopedists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for limb lengthening compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Limb Lengthening in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated orthopedics teams and experience managing patients undergoing limb lengthening.
Gurgaon, India
141 Doctors
Had my gallbladder out at MGM....
Had my gallbladder out at MGM. Dr. Vinod was really clear about what to expect after. The first couple days were rough, I won't lie, but his team had a good plan for the pain that actually worked. Follow-up was simple, he just told me to take it easy and call if anything felt off. Felt normal again quicker than I thought.
Orthopedists for Limb Lengthening
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform limb lengthening and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 16 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon
- 26 Years Experience
- Joint Replacement Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar
- 26 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 20 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 13 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur
- 9 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad
- 49 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Medanta Hospital Gurgaon
- 31 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11