Limb Lengthening Myths and Facts
Short answer
Most fears about limb lengthening come from old methods or online rumours. Patients walk normally again, the gained height does not shrink back, and no pill or exercise can lengthen adult bones.
Myth 1: "You can't walk normally again."
Fact: Patients walk with crutches during lengthening and usually walk without support after about 4 to 6 months. With physiotherapy, most return to normal walking and later to sport.
Myth 2: "The height shrinks back."
Fact: Once the new bone has hardened, it is normal bone. The gained length is permanent.
Myth 3: "It's only for very short people."
Fact: There is no minimum height. Candidacy depends on health, bones and realistic expectations.
Myth 4: "Pills, stretching or insoles can make adults taller."
Fact: After the growth plates close, no supplement, exercise or device can lengthen bones. Surgery is the only way to add bone length.
Myth 5: "An internal nail means no pain."
Fact: Internal nails remove the frame and pin sites, but the muscles still stretch. There is still some pain, and it is managed with medication and physiotherapy. See Is limb lengthening painful?
Myth 6: "Surgery in Turkey is unsafe."
Fact: Safety depends on the surgeon, the hospital and the follow-up, not the country. Our surgeries are performed by Op. Dr. Fatih Arslanoğlu at BHT Clinic İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, under Health Tourism Authorization No. ST-091. See Is Turkey safe for limb lengthening?
Related pages
• How does limb lengthening work?
• Limb lengthening complications