Leg Lengthening (Ilizarov)

What is Ilizarov surgery?

Professor Ilizarov was born in the Soviet union in 1921. After approximately 30 years of experience he managed to invent new techniques and treatment approaches in orthopedics. He could treat fractures, limb deformities and bone disorders using circular external fixator. This Russian professor helped many patients who suffered from nonunions and bone defects. His treatment method gained worldwide fame in 1981 in Italy.

What’s the best age for the leg lengthening surgery?

It is not recommended to get the leg lengthening surgery done unless height growth stops naturally. On the other hand, since the affected bones are incised and the surgery is based on body’s natural ability to generate and grow new bones, neither it is recommended for above 45; hence, the best years for Ilizarov surgery is between 21 to 45 years. Bone repair best happens in younger ages in this surgery.

leg lengthening and unequal limbs modification are some of the indications for this surgery. In fact, the surgery is done for cosmetic and medical purposes:

1. Medical surgeries: Ilizarov surgery is recommended for patients suffering from unequal limbs (long limbs like calf bone or short limbs like finger bones) due to various reasons. For example, someone whose leg is a few centimeters longer than their other leg. The reason may lie in congenital diseases, fractures in childhood, growth stop in one limb, etc.
2. Cosmetic surgery: A lot of people are unhappy with their stature and seek leg lengthening surgery.

Method of leg lengthening surgery

Ilizarov surgery requires time and frequent assessments and not all the people willing to have the surgery are good candidates. The surgeon will decide if the operation will be done for the person. Although it can be done in all ages, the surgery has shown to be more successful in young people. Candidates are able to experience a height increase somewhere between 2 to 5 inches (5 to 13 centimeters approximately).

During the surgery, leg bones are drilled and a break is made. Then a metal rod is screwed into the affected bone and lengthens 1 millimeter daily until patient’s desired height is met and bones are able to repair. The structure is called “fixator”. As the nuts of the fixator turn, the gap between the bone increases and the bone grows.

The implants used

All of the implants we use in Mortaz hospital are FDA and European standards approved.

External fixator components

This structure is made up of a number of pieces which get connected during the operation. The nuts are usually located 2 to 3 centimeters inside the bone and connected to the rods by clamps. All of the parts except the nuts are connected to each other outside the bone.

How much height increase to expect?

The results may vary between 7.5 to 10 centimeters depending on patient’s need. Ideally, one can expect up to 13 centimeters height growth.

Treatment period

This leg lengthening process can take up to 6 months. If you weigh more than 60-65 kilograms then you will need a wheelchair or elbow crutches to lessen the pressure on legs. The leg lengthening surgery is in total a tough surgery and requires sufficient time to recover. But the patient should attempt to stand the day post operation and walk under observation of a physiotherapist.

The minimum time the patient has to stay in the hospital after the surgery is 48 hours which might extend up to 4 days. During hospitalization, the patient will have physiotherapy sessions and must move using a crutches. Doing stretches is necessary to prevent muscle stiffness and preserve body’s flexibility during recovery period.

Why should you have leg lengthening surgery in Iran and Mortaz hospital?

leg lengthening surgery is a common operation throughout the world and is done in many countries. Iran is amongst the list; with the knowledge of experienced doctors and modern facilities the operation is done in Iran in the highest quality possible. You may wander why you should choose Mortaz hospital in Yazd province. Some of the advantages are as follows:

• Our up to date orthopedic surgeons and our orthopedic team whom continuously attend credible congresses and communicate with renowned international professors
• Our direct link to medical centers of other countries active in the field of leg lengthening surgery
• Yazd is a quiet city away from traffic and pollution and hence is the best choice to get medical services
• Suitable costs in exchange for a thorough package of services including one month accommodation and 20 physiotherapy sessions
• Natural and diverse tourist attractions of the city
• Accommodation and food costs are quite affordable in Yazd and the people are hospitable and friendly

Know more about leg lengthening surgery

Note that it is important to stay in Iran for 30 days post operation. leg lengthening surgery does not give you instant results. (Take abdominoplasty and gastric sleeve surgery as an example; both are done for the same purpose. One can see immediate results right after abdominoplasty while it takes months to lose weight after sleeve surgery.)

This is why you should stay in Iran up to one month and be monitored and have physiotherapy sessions without extra expenses. We try our best to make your 30 day accommodation a memorable experience. You can enjoy visiting Yazd’s cultural sites, tourist centers and try amazing local foods meanwhile.