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 Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Miot Hospital Chennai, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, 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.
Chennai, India
250 Doctors
Navya Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer...
Navya Iyer, a 28-year-old software engineer from Bangalore, had lived with a significant leg length discrepancy since childhood due to a poorly healed femur fracture. The 4cm (1.6 inch) difference caused a pronounced limp, chronic lower back pain, and made buying clothes and shoes a constant frustration. After years of managing with a shoe lift, she consulted Dr. Sharma, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in limb reconstruction. He recommended a femoral lengthening procedure using a precise internal magnetic nail (PRECICE). Navya underwent surgery where her femur was carefully cut and the expanding nail was inserted. For three months, she used a remote controller to gradually lengthen the nail by 1mm per day, attending frequent physiotherapy sessions to maintain joint mobility and muscle strength. The recovery was challenging, marked by muscle stiffness and the discipline of daily exercises. A year post-procedure, Navya stands with equal leg length. Her limp is gone, her back pain has resolved, and she walks with newfound confidence. Emotionally, she transitioned from years of self-consciousness and resignation to a profound sense of physical wholeness and liberation, feeling she finally has the body she was meant to have.
Orthopedists for Limb Lengthening
Explore experienced orthopedists who regularly perform limb lengthening and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 17 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 15 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 25 Years Experience
- Joint Replacement Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 10 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 14 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 12 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 8 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 30 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 25 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 11 Years Experience
- Orthopedist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar