Limb lengthening methods, compared.
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.
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
Magnetically-driven internal nail — the current global standard for cosmetic and reconstructive lengthening.
PRECICE Stryde
PRECICE Stryde Weight-Bearing Nail
A heavier-duty PRECICE variant allowing full weight-bearing during distraction — recalled in 2021.
PRECICE Max
PRECICE Max Intramedullary Nail
Next-generation PRECICE nail designed for greater length capacity and durability.
LON
Lengthening Over Nail
A hybrid technique: external fixator drives distraction while an internal nail provides stability — fixator removed earlier than classical Ilizarov.
LATN
Lengthening And Then Nailing
External fixator drives the distraction phase; once length is achieved, an internal nail is inserted and the frame removed.
Ilizarov
Ilizarov Frame Method
The original circular-frame external fixator method — workhorse of reconstructive limb lengthening for four decades.
Which two methods are you comparing?
Internal nail vs hybrid — cost vs comfort.
Compare side by side →Modern internal nail vs classic external fixator.
Compare side by side →The fundamental choice — every method falls under one.
Compare side by side →The recalled nail and what replaced it.
Compare side by side →