Limb lengthening surgery is an orthopedic procedure to help people who have one arm or leg that is shorter than the other. It uses the body's own capacity to regenerate new bone as well as the soft tissues, ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves that surround and support it.

Limb lengthening stimulates bone in a patient's leg or arm to grow longer. This is done by surgically cutting the bone and attaching a device that slowly moves the two ends of the bone apart. As space opens up between these two ends, new bone grows to fill in the gap.

The LON (Lengthening Over Nails) method is a highly preferred limb lengthening technique due to its affordability, comfort, and safety. This method involves using both intramedullary nails and external fixators, hence it is also referred to as the combined method.

The Precice method is an innovative approach to limb lengthening that uses an internal device, eliminating the need for an external fixator.

The limb lengthening journey with the LON method is typically a 9-12 month process from the initial consultation to full recovery.

The initial recovery in the hospital takes about three days. Full recovery from limb lengthening takes several months. During this time, patients will gradually do more activity and gain more strength.

The LON method is a modern technique that utilizes an external fixator, resulting in a faster recovery time compared to traditional methods. It also poses a lower risk of complications and allows patients to walk during the distraction (lengthening) phase.

The Precice method is internally placed, which means no external hardware. This leads to a more comfortable experience for patients. The Precice system allows for precise, controlled lengthening, which can lead to better outcomes.

Limb-lengthening surgery is more common in ages 18 to 40, near the end of bone growth. However, in rare cases the procedure may be performed in older adults.

Patients can drive after limb lengthening surgery after fulfilling specific requirements - about 1-3 months post-surgery. Depending on the height gained and bone lengthened (femur, tibia or both), patients will be under the influence of narcotics for 1-3 months, making them incapable of driving until then.

All limb lengthening surgery methods leave surgical scars on the legs. However, Precice Stryde and Precice 2 leave less scarring, while the LON method leaves slightly more surgical scars.

9-12 months after surgery, patients are expected to be fully recovered and able to perform all physical activities including intense sports without any limitations.

In addition to increasing height, limb lengthening surgery can improve psychological health, body-image, and self-esteem. However, it also comes with costs, risks, and in some cases, complications.

Height dysphoria is a dissatisfaction with one's height, and many people with short stature seek limb lengthening surgery to cure the distress surrounding their height. In some cases, limb lengthening surgery has shown to cure or help patients with height dysphoria, but the surgery in itself isn't always a magical solution.