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Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction — Turkey

Height. Symmetry.
Corrected alignment.

Turkey is one of the world's leading destinations for limb lengthening surgery — with surgeons who specialize exclusively in the procedure, performing it at high volume with modern intramedullary techniques. Whether the goal is height increase, correction of leg length discrepancy, or angular deformity correction, we coordinate the process with experienced surgical teams and U.S.-based accountability throughout.

Limb lengthening external fixator X-ray consultation — Turkey
PRECICE & LON Techniques
High-Volume Specialists
Height Increase up to 8cm
Deformity Correction
U.S.-Based Coordination
Who this procedure is for

Two distinct indications.
One surgical principle.

Limb lengthening uses the same biological principle — controlled bone regeneration through distraction osteogenesis — for both cosmetic height increase and medically indicated deformity correction. The technique, recovery timeline, and goals differ significantly between these two groups.

Cosmetic indication
Height Increase

For adults who wish to increase their height — typically 5–8cm — without a medical diagnosis. This is an elective procedure with a significant recovery commitment. Patient selection, realistic expectations, and psychological readiness are assessed as carefully as physical candidacy.

Adults 18–45 with completed skeletal maturity
Typically 5–8cm increase across both femurs or tibias
Normal bone density and no systemic conditions affecting healing
Strong commitment to the 12–18 month recovery process
Psychological evaluation recommended before proceeding
Medical indication
Leg Length Discrepancy & Deformity Correction

For patients with measurable leg length inequality, angular deformity, or post-traumatic malunion. The goal is functional — restoring symmetry, correcting gait abnormalities, and preventing secondary joint damage from compensatory loading.

Leg length discrepancy of 2cm or more affecting gait
Angular deformities — varus, valgus, or rotational
Post-traumatic malunion or growth arrest sequelae
Congenital limb conditions — fibular hemimelia, achondroplasia
Secondary joint protection — preventing premature hip/knee arthritis
Surgical techniques

Modern intramedullary methods —
no external fixators.

Turkey's leading limb lengthening centers use internal techniques — PRECICE and LON — that have largely replaced traditional external fixator methods for most indications. This significantly improves the patient experience during the distraction phase.

Preferred method
PRECICE Nail
Fully internal · Remote-controlled · Most comfortable

An intramedullary nail with a magnetic internal mechanism. The bone is lengthened using an external remote control — 1mm per day — with no external hardware. The patient controls the lengthening process at home under surgeon guidance.

No pin sites, no external frame, significantly less daily discomfort compared to external fixation. The nail remains internal throughout the consolidation phase.

Fully internal — no external hardware at any stage
Remote-controlled lengthening — 1mm/day at home
Lower infection risk — no percutaneous pins
Femur and tibia applications
Combined method
LON Technique
Internal nail + external fixator · Distraction phase only

An intramedullary nail is placed alongside a temporary external fixator. The external fixator performs the distraction phase — then is removed. The nail handles consolidation internally. Lower cost than PRECICE with similar outcomes.

External fixator is present only during the active lengthening phase (typically 2–3 months), then removed. Requires pin site care during this period.

External fixator removed after distraction phase
Internal nail for consolidation
Lower cost alternative to full PRECICE
Suitable for both femur and tibia
Recovery timeline

What the process
actually looks like.

Limb lengthening is a prolonged process. Understanding each phase before you commit is essential.

Pre-op
Case evaluation, imaging, and planning

Full-length standing X-rays, bone density assessment, and surgical planning. Target lengthening amount, technique selection, and surgical timeline confirmed in writing before travel.

Surgery
Osteotomy and nail/device placement — Day 1

The bone is surgically divided (osteotomy) and the lengthening device is placed. 2–3 hours surgery, 2–3 nights hospital. Partial weight-bearing begins within days.

Wk 1–2
Latency period — bone begins healing

Distraction has not yet begun. The osteotomy site begins forming a soft callus. Physiotherapy starts to maintain joint mobility and muscle function.

Mo 1–3
Distraction phase — 1mm per day

Active lengthening begins. For PRECICE, performed at home with the remote control. For LON, the external fixator is adjusted daily. Physiotherapy is essential throughout this phase to prevent joint contracture.

Mo 3–12
Consolidation phase — new bone hardens

Distraction is complete. The regenerate bone gradually mineralizes and hardens. Weight-bearing progresses progressively under surgeon guidance. For LON, external fixator is removed at approximately 3 months.

Mo 12–18
Full consolidation and return to activity

Full weight-bearing and return to normal activity. Nail removal is optional — most patients choose to leave the nail in place permanently unless it causes discomfort.

Honest expectations

What we tell every patient
before they decide.

"This is not a procedure to take lightly."

Limb lengthening — particularly for cosmetic height increase — is one of the most demanding elective procedures a patient can choose. The surgery itself is straightforward. The recovery is not. The commitment is 12–18 months of structured recovery, daily physiotherapy, and strict adherence to the distraction protocol.

Patients who do well are the ones who understood this before they started. Patients who struggle are often the ones who underestimated the recovery phase or were not given honest information about what it involves.

At JZ Vitalis, we will not coordinate a limb lengthening program for a patient who has not had a realistic conversation about recovery requirements, psychological readiness, and what happens if complications arise. The savings on the procedure are meaningless if the recovery isn't managed correctly.

If you are seriously considering this procedure, start with Jason. Ask the hard questions. We will give you honest answers.

Who this is for

Two very different patients.
Same commitment required.

Cosmetic — height increase
You want to be taller. You've researched it seriously. You understand the commitment.

Not an impulsive decision — you've spent months or years researching. You understand the recovery timeline, the physiotherapy requirement, and the lifestyle adjustment. You are looking for a structured, accountable coordination process — not the cheapest option available.

Skeletal maturity confirmed (18+)
Realistic target — 5–8cm increase
12–18 months available for recovery
Psychological evaluation completed or willing to complete
Medical — deformity or discrepancy
Functional limitation from leg length inequality or angular deformity. You want a structured path to correction.

Gait abnormality, secondary joint loading, chronic pain from asymmetry — medically indicated limb lengthening addresses the root structural cause rather than managing symptoms. Coordination abroad offers faster access at significantly lower cost than U.S. centers.

Documented LLD of 2cm or more
Angular or rotational deformity confirmed on imaging
Existing orthopaedic evaluation or referral available
Looking for a faster, more accessible path to surgical correction

Start with the
honest conversation.

Limb lengthening requires the right surgeon, the right technique, and the right expectations. Ask Jason first — get honest answers before you decide anything.

Medical Disclaimer: Clinical outcome statistics referenced on this page are based on peer-reviewed orthopedic literature including publications from AAOS, JBJS, and CORR. Individual results vary based on patient age, health status, anatomy, and post-operative compliance. JZ Vitalis is a healthcare coordination company — we do not provide medical advice, diagnose conditions, or guarantee clinical outcomes. All treatment decisions are made exclusively by the licensed surgical team. Procedure timelines, costs, and recovery estimates are typical ranges and may vary by individual case.

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