Limb lengthening surgery stands as a unique orthopaedic procedure. Doctors use this method to correct leg or arm length differences. Birth defects, injuries, or interruptions in normal growth can be behind these gaps. This operation takes place in several phases.
Types of Limb Lengthening Surgeries
The main goal of limb lengthening is to make the bone longer. One purpose is fixing sizing issues, another is to increase the person’s height for appearance. Several methods exist for these operations. Methods differ by process, healing time, and the costs in the UK and India.
- Ilizarov Method
This technique from before places an outside frame made of rings and wires to gently pull apart the bone. It fixes deformities or gaps because of trauma. Medical treatment in India costs less, while it is higher in the UK.
- Lengthening Over Nail (LON) Method
Here, doctors combine an outer frame with a metal rod inside the bone. Wearing the external device lasts for a shorter period compared to Ilizarov. People usually recover quickly and need less pain medicine. Advanced systems in the UK mean higher prices, but India remains less expensive. In the UK, costs run from $12,000 to $30,000, while in India, its $5,500 to $9,000.
- Precice Nail System
Precice uses a rod placed inside the bone, which magnetic controls adjust from outside. Patients avoid any outside frame this way. Infection risk drops and the device causes less discomfort. Many choose this for heightening out of personal preference.
- Fitbone Nail System
Fitbone works with a powered rod inside the bone, much like Precice. This method gives accurate bone stretching and less pain for the person. Most often, the purpose is for cosmetic height change. UK prices are between $55,000 and $110,000. Indian services want $15,000 to $25,000.
- Taylor Spatial Frame
Taylor Spatial Frame is an advanced external device making bones move in many directions. This tool helps handle complex issues in bone shape. Fees in Indian clinics are lower than in the UK. The UK procedure costs $15,000 to $35,000. In India, people pay $7,000 to $10,000.
- Monolateral External Fixation
This system uses a frame attached to only one side of the limb, which makes it much less cumbersome. It’s often for gaps caused by injury. India’s clinics offer a lower price level. British prices run $8,000 to $20,000. Indian clinics can charge $6,500 to $9,000.
|
Surgery Type |
UK |
India |
|
Ilizarov Method |
$10,000 – $25,000 |
$5,000 – $9,500 |
|
Lengthening Over Nail (LON) |
$12,000 – $30,000 |
$5,500 – $9,000 |
|
Precice Nail System |
$50,000 – $100,000 |
$13,000 – $22,000 |
|
Fitbone Nail System |
$55,000 – $110,000 |
$15,000 – $25,000 |
|
Taylor Spatial Frame |
$15,000 – $35,000 |
$7,000 – $10,000 |
|
Monolateral External Fixation |
$8,000 – $20,000 |
$6,500 – $9,000 |
What Is There to Be Aware of in Terms of Issues Which May Come up with the Surgery?
Limb lengthening procedures do for many what they set out to do, but they also present some risks and issues, which raise the question: is limb lengthening surgery safe? Check below,
- Infection: In some cases the area which has had the surgery becomes infected. Also infection may occur at the site of incision or near the bone stretching devices.
- Nerve and Blood Vessel Damage: During operation it is a risk that nearby nerves or blood vessels may be damaged. This in turn may cause numbness, weakness, or poor blood flow.
- Bone Healing Problems: The issue may be that the bone does not heal at all which is what we term nonunion or that it heals in an improper fashion which we call malunion. Also at time a second operation is required.
- Joint Stiffness: The joints, which include the knee and ankle, may become stiff during lengthening. Also it is usually required that physical therapy be done to get them moving again.
- Muscle Tightness or Weakness: Muscle tissues which are near the bone may not stretch enough. This can cause tightness or weakness of the muscle which in turn makes it difficult to properly use the limb.
- Blood Clots: There is an increased risk of blood clots in the legs which is true if you are sedentary for large periods of time.
In regard to surgery and recovery which are complex, you should have an in-depth discussion with your orthopedic surgeon of these risks. Also, it is important that you know what to expect, and ask yourself: is limb lengthening surgery safe, as well as understand the benefits and risks which should be considered prior to decision making.
Why People Choose India Over UK For Limb Lengthening Surgery?
More and more people from around the world choose India for limb lengthening surgery these days. Many know India for its history and friendly welcome, but its medical sector grows very fast too. Here, world-level treatments come at a much lower price than in Western countries, allowing people to get quality care without heavy spending. Limb lengthening surgery in the UK can cost so much that some cannot afford it, but India gives a cheaper option and strong results. This cost gap and modern hospitals, such as Artemis Hospital in Gurgaon and BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, with surgeons trained abroad, make India a big name for medical care.
One more reason for India’s popularity is the fast and smooth medical system, which gives patients quick access to care and little waiting. Good timing is especially important for surgeries needing fast response for the best healing. Every patient gets direct attention, strong advice, and help from start to finish including surgery and recovery. Not only do Indian doctors work with skill, but they also approach their care with kindness toward each patient—prompting many to ask, is limb lengthening surgery safe?
Racure Healthcare leads the way in guiding visitors through India's medical world. The company handles every step for people coming for limb lengthening or other special treatments in this country. They create full plans for care, help arrange meetings with doctors, and connect to leading hospitals, ensuring the plan fits each person. Their team also helps with paperwork, flight booking, hotel stays, rides from the airport, help with languages, and personal support day and night. Before coming, patients get teleconsultation; after the surgery, they get continued support and help with details like phone SIM cards and money exchange.
When Racure Healthcare runs the whole journey, every patient gets focused treatment as well as comfort and no worry during the India stay. People can put energy on getting better—the Racure team takes care of every small thing from start to end. India stays a trusted place for limb lengthening surgery, joining good medical results with care through Racure Healthcare’s support.
