Limb Lengthening SurgeryLimb LengtheningSurgery · DirectoryMatch

Limb lengthening methods — the complete comparison

Every modern technique has trade-offs in cost, comfort, recovery time and long-term risk. This page covers the six options you will encounter when researching clinics. No manufacturer has paid to appear here.

Editorial note. The information below is educational. It is not medical advice. Technique selection should be made in consultation with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has examined you and reviewed your imaging.

PRECICE 2

PRECICE 2 Intramedullary Lengthening Nail

Internal — magnetic nail

Magnetically-driven internal nail — the current global standard for cosmetic and reconstructive lengthening.

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Recovery
12–24 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia
External hardware?
No

PRECICE Stryde

PRECICE Stryde Weight-Bearing Nail

Internal — magnetic nailRecalled / historical

A heavier-duty PRECICE variant allowing full weight-bearing during distraction — recalled in 2021.

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Recovery
10–18 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia
External hardware?
No

PRECICE Max

PRECICE Max Intramedullary Nail

Internal — magnetic nail

Next-generation PRECICE nail designed for greater length capacity and durability.

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Recovery
12–24 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia
External hardware?
No

LON

Lengthening Over Nail

Hybrid (internal + external)

A hybrid technique: external fixator drives distraction while an internal nail provides stability — fixator removed earlier than classical Ilizarov.

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Recovery
16–28 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia
External hardware?
Yes

LATN

Lengthening And Then Nailing

Hybrid (internal + external)

External fixator drives the distraction phase; once length is achieved, an internal nail is inserted and the frame removed.

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Recovery
16–28 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia
External hardware?
Yes

Ilizarov

Ilizarov Frame Method

External fixator

The original circular-frame external fixator method — workhorse of reconstructive limb lengthening for four decades.

Typical gain
3–10 cm
Recovery
20–40 weeks
Sites
femur, tibia, humerus
External hardware?
Yes
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