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[LG1816]

Hi everyone, I’ve been thinking a lot about limb lengthening recently and have finally come to the decision that I want to do it. I plan to do it with Dr. Giotikas in London, which will make the process much more streamlined for me as I already live there.

I’m currently just over 5’8.5 evening height. Ideally, I’d like to gain 6cm to be about 5’11 evening height. I’ve gone back and forth on the different methods.

My leg ratios are: Femur: around 18-inch Tibia: around 15-inch
My Wingspan is: 5'8.75

Below, I’ve outlined the pros and cons of the procedure as I see them from my own research, but there are definitely gaps in my knowledge. I was hoping you could add some input where I’ve gotten things wrong or in answer to some of my questions. I’ve highlighted some of the stuff I’d like clarification with in bold.

Presently, I’m leaning towards full external tibias. The time in the frames is the real kicker, however, I do work from home, so perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad. As I understand it, this is also the safest method – I was hoping someone could expand on this? There doesn’t seem to be too much info on the forum about it.

Are fully externals safer because they negate the risk of knee problems as Lon/Latn would? Does this method have a less likelihood for fat/pulmonary embolism? I can’t conclude.

Then there’s Lon/Latn, which is attractive because of the significantly less amount of time I’d need to be in frames for, but with Lon/Latn, what is the risk for fat/pulmonary embolism with this method? As I understand it, the risk is lower than with internals, but I couldn’t conclude by how much or why.

Another sticking point with Tibial lengthening is the amount you’re able to lengthen. 5cm is always touted as the limit, but I’ve heard several times that if you’re on the taller side to begin with, you can lengthen a little more than 5cm with tibias – what is the rational behind this? Is it to do with the ratio between the length of the tibia and the amount of CM lengthened?

Lastly, internals. This is the least appealing option for me to be honest, as the lack of weight bearing with the Precise nail is, to me, I think a tough pill to swallow. Giotikas also offers the G-nail for internal femurs but not tibias, but to be honest, that’s out of my price range anyway unless it was deemed super worth it.

The other big factor with lengthening the femurs are proportions. Perhaps I’m ignorant in my assessment here, but I can’t imagine lengthening my femurs 6cm would look very aesthetic; I reckon my tibias would look oddly short – what are your thoughts? I’ve posted my proportions above if that makes a difference.
Would really appreciate any input you may have on the above questions. Thanks a lot!

[informationispower]

5-6cms on femurs are not noticble. Externals only means close to a year in frames which is as bad as 4 in wheelchair IMO

[Kanye Western]

I personally wouldn’t do LON or any external fixator. Anyways you’ve done your research and aware of the possible complications if they arise.


Also, try not to lengthen more than 5 on tibia. Imo this is extreme I’d prob do 4.

[Body Builder]

Yes pure externals in tibias is by far the safest way of LL and for 6cm you won't need more than 9cm in frames.
Don't take in mind the opinions of people that have no experience on LL and still think that after 5cm lengthening on tibias you'll be doomed while you'll be fine by doing 9cm on femurs without even itb and a mechanical nail that is much more barbaric than any external device.
Some people here have opinions without any real knowledge or experience. But their opinions are worthless in reality.