Height increase treatment is a surgical procedure that involves cutting bones using specific methods and gradually lengthening them. This treatment can increase an individual's height. Human development begins in the womb and continues until the end of puberty after birth. During this process, nutrition, genetic factors, and physical activity shape physical development.
However, this development stops after a certain age. When the growth plates close, bone growth also ends. In this case, some individuals may have a relatively shorter height. Having an average or below-average height generally has no negative health effects. However, some individuals may desire a taller height for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. For this reason, they may opt for a procedure known as limb lengthening treatment.
For detailed information about limb lengthening surgery and treatment in Ankara, you can contact Prof. Dr. Ali Fuat Karataş.
What is Limb Lengthening Treatment?
Limb lengthening treatment is a specialized procedure aimed at lengthening the leg bones and thereby increasing height. During this process, specific incisions are made in the targeted bones, and then the bones are allowed to grow for a certain period of time. The increase in height achieved through height increase treatment depends on the initial length of the bone. In other words, this procedure does not provide the same amount of height increase for everyone.
Why Have Height Increase Surgery?
Height increase surgery is often preferred by individuals who are short or of average height. Being short does not usually pose a health problem. However, some individuals may desire to be taller for aesthetic reasons. Since natural height increase is not possible for individuals who have completed puberty, these individuals seek height increase treatment.
Who Can Undergo Height Increase Surgery?
Height increase surgery can be performed from the age of 3-4 years. It can be performed on both children and adults. However, this treatment is not recommended for individuals over the age of 50. The main reason for this is the possibility of a decrease in the healing capacity of the bones after treatment. As age increases, the ability of tissues to heal decreases, so it is recommended that height increase treatment be performed as early as possible.
How Much Can Height Be Increased Through Surgery?
Height increase surgery typically results in an increase of 7 to 10 centimeters in height. However, in some cases, it is possible to achieve an increase of up to 15 centimeters through this treatment. The bone lengthening achieved through treatment is proportional to the initial length of the bone. For example, if the bone was 50 centimeters long before treatment, it is expected to be 60 centimeters long after treatment.
Types of Height Increase Surgery
Several different methods are used during height increase surgery. The first is the Ilizarov technique. In this method, the bones to be lengthened are fractured and gradually lengthened using wires placed outside the leg. This method was developed in the 1950s. The bone is stabilized externally using metal rings and wires called the Ilizarov ring. The fractured bone is slowly lengthened by 1 mm per day. The bone tissue regenerates itself during this period.
Another method is the combined limb lengthening technique. This method is extremely effective and produces successful results. With this technique, bones can be lengthened by 1 millimeter per day and up to 1 centimeter in 10 days. First, the bone is cut, and a nail is placed inside. Then, an external fixation device is added, and the lengthening process is performed. This is why it is called the combined method.
The preferred method is the motorized nail method. In this method, a special nail is inserted into the bone, and the nail gradually extends, causing the bone and, consequently, the limb to lengthen. No external fixation device is used, and the procedure causes less discomfort. Additionally, the risk of infection is significantly lower.
How is Limb Lengthening Surgery Performed?
Leg lengthening surgery is performed by extending the bones in a controlled manner. This surgery is performed to correct congenital short stature or leg length discrepancies caused by trauma. The procedure involves cutting the bones and then gradually extending the bone tissue. During the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon cuts the bone in a controlled manner. This procedure is called osteotomy. It is usually performed on the thigh bone (femur) or shin bone (tibia). This cut allows the bone to lengthen during its natural healing process. Fixation devices are used to keep the cut bone in place and control the lengthening process. These fixation devices are either pins or external fixators.
How Long Does the Leg Lengthening Process Take?
Leg lengthening treatment typically takes between 1.5 and 3 hours to complete. The duration of the operation may vary depending on the technique used and other factors. Your doctor will provide you with detailed information about the duration of the leg lengthening procedure prior to surgery.
