LON vs. PRECICE vs. FITBONE: Which Limb Lengthening Method Should You Choose?

LON (Lengthening Over Nail)

LON is the most widely performed limb lengthening method in the world, and for good reason: it's reliable, well-understood, and significantly more affordable than fully internal systems. An internal nail is implanted for long-term stability, while a temporary external fixator does the actual work of gradually lengthening the bone. Once you reach your target height, the fixator is removed in a short follow-up procedure, and the internal nail stays in place through the healing phase.

The trade-off is visibility and daily care — the external fixator means visible hardware around your leg during the lengthening period, and the pin sites need to be kept clean to avoid minor infections. Most patients tolerate this well, and it remains the go-to choice for people who want a proven method without the higher cost of a fully internal system.

LON may be right for you if: cost is a major factor, you're comfortable managing an external fixator for a few months, and you want the most established, most-performed method available.

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PRECICE 2.2

PRECICE uses a magnetically controlled, fully internal nail — no external frame at all. Once the nail is surgically placed, you control the lengthening process yourself at home using an external remote controller, gradually extending the bone at a safe, steady rate. Because there's no external hardware, comfort is significantly higher, infection risk drops, and scarring is minimal.

PRECICE may be right for you if: comfort and minimal visible hardware matter most to you, and you're comfortable with a higher price point for that experience.

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FITBONE

FITBONE takes a similar fully internal approach to PRECICE, but uses a German-engineered, motorized stainless steel nail controlled by a small external transmitter. It's mechanically stronger than titanium PRECICE nails, while offering the same core benefits: no external fixator, minimal scarring, and lower infection risk.

FITBONE may be right for you if: you want a fully internal system with maximum mechanical strength, and PRECICE and FITBONE are both within your budget consideration.

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What About Combining Methods?

If you're considering lengthening both your femurs and tibias (quadrilateral lengthening) for maximum height gain, you're not limited to one method. Many patients choose a hybrid approach — for example, PRECICE for the femur and LON for the tibia — to balance cost, comfort, and recovery time across the full procedure.

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How to Actually Decide

There's no universally "best" method — only the best method for your body, your budget, and your priorities. During your consultation, your surgical team will review your X-rays, discuss your height goals, and help you weigh:

• Budget — LON is the most accessible; PRECICE and FITBONE cost more for the comfort of a fully internal system

• Comfort during recovery — if avoiding visible external hardware matters to you, PRECICE or FITBONE will likely be the better fit

• Timeline — internal systems generally offer a few months' shorter recovery than LON

• Bone strength needs —  FITBONE's stainless steel construction may suit patients who want to reach full weight-bearing sooner

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is one method safer than the others? All three methods are clinically established and used in reputable orthopedic clinics worldwide. Each carries its own specific risk profile, which your surgeon will walk through in detail based on your individual case.

Can I switch methods partway through? No — the method is chosen and the correct implant is ordered before surgery, based on your X-rays and consultation. This is why an accurate pre-surgical evaluation matters.

Which method is most popular? LON remains the most commonly performed method worldwide due to its reliability and cost, though demand for fully internal systems like PRECICE and FITBONE has grown steadily as more patients prioritize comfort and discretion during recovery.

Ready to find out which method fits your goals? Contact us for a free consultation and X-ray review.