FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIMB LENGTHENING
Frequently Asked Questions About Limb Lengthening Surgery
Find answers to common questions about LON, PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE limb lengthening at Lengthening Turkey Height Solutions in Istanbul, including hospital care, treatment planning and recovery.
Which limb lengthening methods do you offer?
We offer LON (Lengthening Over Nail), PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE. The most suitable method depends on your anatomy, bone quality, height goal, budget and ability to follow the rehabilitation programme. Our surgeon reviews these factors with you before recommending a treatment plan.
What are the differences between LON, PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE?
LON combines an internal nail with a temporary external fixator. The external fixator gradually lengthens the bone and is removed in a further procedure after the lengthening phase. LON is generally our most affordable option, but it requires daily pin-site care and involves external hardware during treatment.
PRECICE 2.2 uses a fully internal nail that is lengthened using an external magnetic remote controller. There is no external fixator or exposed pin site. Patients must follow the prescribed weight-bearing restrictions and use mobility aids as directed.
FITBONE uses a fully internal motorized nail connected to a small receiver beneath the skin. An external control set supplies energy to activate the lengthening mechanism. Like PRECICE, it avoids an external fixator, but uses a different operating system. Weight-bearing restrictions still apply and are determined by the implant and your surgeon's instructions.
All three methods require regular monitoring and physiotherapy. An internal nail does not make surgery pain-free or eliminate the possibility of infection or other complications.
How does LON lengthening work?
During surgery, the surgeon performs an osteotomy, inserts an intramedullary nail and applies an external fixator. After the initial recovery period, the fixator is adjusted according to your prescribed schedule to gradually separate the bone ends. New bone develops in the gap.
When lengthening is complete, the external fixator is removed and the internal nail is secured as required to support the bone while it continues to strengthen. The timing of each step depends on your progress and X-rays.
How do PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE work?
Both systems gradually lengthen a nail positioned inside the bone, allowing new bone to form in the gap created by the osteotomy.
PRECICE 2.2 uses an external magnetic controller to operate the nail. FITBONE uses an external control set and a receiver beneath the skin to power its internal motor.
Our team teaches you how to use your prescribed controller before you begin lengthening independently. Follow the individual schedule provided by your surgeon and do not change the settings yourself. Controller return requirements and any applicable deposit are explained before treatment.
Which hospital will my surgery take place in?
Our limb lengthening surgeries are performed at BHT Clinic Istanbul Tema Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.
Your hospital care includes the planned preoperative assessments, surgery, postoperative monitoring and preparation for discharge. Our standard surgical packages include four nights and five days in hospital. The actual length of your stay may be adjusted according to your medical needs.
Will I meet the surgeon before surgery?
Yes. You will have an in-person consultation and physical examination before surgery. The surgeon will review your imaging, medical history, alignment, flexibility and treatment goals, explain the proposed procedure and discuss its risks and limitations.
How will I grow taller, and when does lengthening begin?
The procedure uses distraction osteogenesis: the bone is surgically divided and then gradually separated so that new bone can form in the gap.
In our usual treatment programme, lengthening begins approximately one week after surgery. Typical planned rates are around 1 mm per day for the femur and 0.75 mm per day for the tibia, divided into sessions as instructed. Your surgeon may adjust or pause lengthening based on bone formation, pain, nerve symptoms and joint movement.
How much height can I gain?
Our usual upper planning limits are up to 8 cm in the femurs and up to 6 cm in the tibias. For suitable quadrilateral candidates, the combined target is generally 12–14 cm.
These are upper planning limits, not guaranteed or risk-free outcomes. Your recommended target may be lower. Soft-tissue flexibility, joint movement, nerve tolerance and bone healing determine how much lengthening is appropriate, and your surgeon may advise stopping earlier.
Can I lengthen both my femurs and tibias?
Lengthening both segments is called quadrilateral limb lengthening. It may be considered for carefully selected patients, either in the same surgical session or in stages.
It involves a greater rehabilitation commitment than lengthening one segment. Your surgeon will assess whether this approach is suitable and explain the additional demands, risks and expected treatment duration.
Will I have pain during treatment?
Pain and discomfort vary between patients and across the different stages of treatment. Postoperative pain is managed by the hospital team. Muscle tightness and discomfort may also occur during lengthening and physiotherapy.
We adjust pain management and rehabilitation according to your needs. Report increasing pain, new numbness, weakness or changes in movement promptly so that the team can assess you.
What are the risks of limb lengthening surgery?
Possible complications include infection, blood clots, delayed bone healing or nonunion, premature bone healing, joint stiffness, muscle contractures, nerve injury, alignment problems and implant malfunction or breakage. Anaesthesia also carries risks.
LON requires particular attention to external pin sites. Fully internal systems such as PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE avoid exposed pin sites, but deep infection and other complications can still occur.
Regular examinations, imaging and physiotherapy help us monitor your progress and respond to concerns. No method eliminates risk, and additional treatment or surgery may sometimes be necessary.
Who may not be suitable for surgery?
Suitability is assessed individually. Active infection, significant bone weakness, uncontrolled medical conditions or an inability to follow the rehabilitation programme may make surgery unsuitable or require treatment to be postponed.
Psychological readiness and realistic expectations are also important. Please disclose your full medical history, previous operations, current medication and smoking status during your assessment.
Can I walk during lengthening?
Assisted movement is part of rehabilitation, but the amount of weight you may place on each leg depends on the implant, procedure and stage of healing.
Your surgeon and physiotherapist will explain how to use a walker, crutches or wheelchair and provide specific weight-bearing instructions. Do not assume that a FITBONE, PRECICE or LON construct allows unrestricted walking. Excess loading can damage the implant or affect healing.
Will I need blood-thinning medication?
Your medical team determines whether you need blood-thinning medication and for how long, based on your individual clotting risk, mobility and treatment plan. Choosing FITBONE or another implant does not automatically remove this need. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without medical advice.
How often will I have X-rays?
During lengthening, X-rays are usually arranged approximately every two weeks. The surgeon uses them to assess bone formation, alignment and implant position and to decide whether your lengthening schedule needs adjustment.
Patients continuing treatment abroad must follow the agreed imaging schedule and send their X-rays for review. Additional imaging may be requested when clinically necessary.
What does physiotherapy involve?
Physiotherapy focuses on maintaining joint movement, managing muscle tightness and supporting safe mobility during recovery. Your exercises are tailored to the bones being lengthened and your progress.
Attend your scheduled sessions and follow the home exercise programme prescribed by the team. Tell your physiotherapist about new pain, numbness or a reduction in movement rather than forcing an exercise.
Does finishing lengthening mean I am fully recovered?
No. Reaching your height target completes the lengthening phase, but the new bone still needs time to consolidate and strengthen. Strength, flexibility and walking ability also continue to recover.
Stopping use of the controller or removing an external fixator does not mean you are ready for unrestricted walking or sports. Progress is assessed using your X-rays and clinical examination.
When can I return to normal activities and sports?
Recovery varies according to the method, segment, amount lengthened, bone healing and rehabilitation progress. Returning to desk work, walking independently and resuming impact sports are separate milestones.
Your team will provide an individual plan. Running, jumping and heavy lower-body exercise should resume only after medical clearance. A return to your previous level of sporting performance cannot be guaranteed.
What scars should I expect?
All methods leave surgical scars. PRECICE 2.2 and FITBONE require incisions for the implant and fixation screws; FITBONE also requires placement of its receiver. LON additionally leaves external pin-site scars.
Their number and position depend on the operation. Appearance varies with skin type, healing and scar care, and the surgeon will explain the expected incision sites before treatment.
How should I prepare for surgery?
Provide your medical history and medication list, complete the requested investigations and follow your surgeon's preoperative instructions. Smoking cessation and appropriate nutrition are important parts of preparation.
Our physiotherapy team can recommend a suitable stretching programme. Do not stop prescribed medication or begin an intensive exercise programme without advice from your treating team.
How do I book a surgery date? Is a booking deposit required?
Contact our team at info@lengtheningturkey.com or +90 533 016 45 62 to discuss suitability and available dates.
We do not require a surgery booking deposit. Once your arrangements have been agreed with our team, we request your purchased flight details to confirm your arrival. Any equipment deposit is separate from the surgery booking policy and is explained before treatment.
How do I pay? Do you offer financing?
Payment arrangements are confirmed with our team before travel. We do not accept credit or debit cards and do not offer instalment plans or clinic financing. Please confirm the accepted payment method, timing and total package price directly with us before making arrangements.
What are the main challenges during recovery?
Limb lengthening requires time, temporary mobility restrictions, consistent physiotherapy and regular follow-up. You may need help with daily activities, especially early in recovery.
Before surgery, we discuss accommodation, practical support and the expected rehabilitation commitment so that you can prepare realistically for treatment.