Limb Lengthening Surgery at Acibadem Hospital

After a traffic accident left him with a significant leg length discrepancy, a 32-year-old patient from Denmark had already been through several operations to lengthen his tibia. Around 5 cm had been gained, but the imbalance between his femur and tibia remained, and with it the effect on his walking and daily life.

At Acibadem he was evaluated again and underwent limb lengthening surgery to extend his femur by approximately 6–7 cm, under the care of Prof. Dr. Levent Eralp, orthopaedic surgeon specialising in limb lengthening and limb reconstruction. The video follows his treatment and recovery toward better leg balance, mobility and a return to everyday life.

Limb lengthening is an orthopaedic procedure that gradually increases bone length. It may be considered for limb-length discrepancy caused by trauma, previous surgery, congenital conditions or deformity, and can involve the femur, the tibia or both. It relies on distraction osteogenesis: new bone forms within a controlled gap that is widened slowly over time.

Depending on anatomy and treatment goals, lengthening may use an internal lengthening nail, an external fixation system or a combination of the two. Careful orthopaedic planning with imaging, regular follow-up and structured rehabilitation matter throughout the lengthening and bone-healing period, which takes months rather than weeks.

Learn more about limb lengthening at Acibadem or request a medical opinion with your imaging.