Limb Lengthening
We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.
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Prices
Price in GBP
Price in EUR
- internal fixation system (one leg) – from 13.350 £
- internal fixation system (one leg) + surgery – from 21.000 £
- long standing X-ray performed in 1 day – FREE
- accommodation with medical care – from 58 £ per night
- consultation with the surgeon
- necessary health tests
- surgery
- limb lengthening system
- anaesthesia
- hospitalisation
- 24/7 personal assistance during your stay
- transfers to / from the airport, hotel and clinic
- all documents translated to English
The clinic uses internal lengthening system.
Our patients in the media
Nordorthopaedics Center Of Excellence
Our surgeon Arnoldas Sipavicius
- More than 10 years of experience
- Specialises in arthroscopies, osteotomy surgeries and knee deformities
- ATLS Certificate
- Read more
Rehabilitation package
One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps recover after surgery as well as prevents formation of blood clots and helps avoid most of the postoperative complications and side effects. Outpatient rehabilitation in Kaunas with a physiotherapist.
The rehabilitation clinic is equipped with modern facilities. Individual rehabilitation programs are prepared by a kinesiologist with over 20 years of experience, Prof. Laimonas Siupsinskas. This type of rehabilitation is best suited for people who are physically active, athletes and those wishing to return to sports as soon as possible.
Rehabilitation in Kaunas – € 100 / £ 86 for one 1 h physiotherapy session per day.
- personalized rehabilitation course;
- specialist who is also a physiotherapist for Lithuanian Men’s National Basketball Team;
- all required medication;
- transportation to/from the rehabilitation clinic;
- read more about outpatient rehabilitation in Kaunas.
Our clinic
Self-catered accommodation with medical care
11 reasons that make us the most popular orthopaedic clinic abroad
One of the most important factors for a quick and full recovery after surgery is proper rehabilitation. Usually, clinics are not able to offer this due to costs savings. Our patients can choose between two inpatient and outpatient options: rehabilitation with a physiotherapist of the Lithuanian national basketball team, prof. L. Siupsinskas or rehabilitation at a medical SPA.
Our team of 5 orthopaedic surgeons has 10-20 years of experience in the field in total performing over 1.000 different orthopaedic surgeries per year. Moreover, our surgeons are members of various prestigious surgical societies both Lithuanian and international. Our leading joint replacement surgeon S. Tarasevicius is an author of 150 scientific publications in different medical journals, who has performed more than 3.500 joint replacement surgeries during 15+ years of his professional experience.
We are one of the leading orthopaedic surgery clinics for medical tourists in the European Union. We are proud of the fact that over 90 % of our patients come from the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, the United States, Canada and other countries.
One of the world’s leading medical technology companies and orthopaedic implant manufacturers, Smith & Nephew, have chosen Nordorthopaedics as Center of Excellence in the Baltic States.
We are trusted by our patients and we appreciate all the reviews and feedback collected over the years. Find more than 150 testimonials here or on Google.
Already more than 1.500 of our former, current and future patients joined our online community with the aim to build a space for opinions and mutual support. Members are welcome to share experiences about their visit to the clinic and to discuss all surgery-related matters. No other orthopaedic clinic can offer such group support.
Being a true member of the International Society of Arthroplasty Registries, Lithuania is one of the leaders in low joint replacement revision rates, as only 9% of surgeries in Lithuania require revision in 10 years after surgery. Moreover, with the implants used at our clinic, only 2-3% of surgeries require revision in 10 years after surgery, while revision rates in some other Western countries, for example, USA, is as high as 17% in 10 years after surgery. The implants used at our clinic have been evaluated by other countries’ registries as those ensuring longest implant life, as compared to products of other manufacturers. Moreover, thanks to our active participation in collecting data for the registries, the surgical technique used at our clinic ensures best surgical outcomes.
Our clinic is seen on different media mentions like: BBC News, BBC Radio, The Telegraph, MailOnline, Winnipeg Free Press, CTV News, CBC, RTE Radio, itv.
Our clinic works according to the highest standards set by the European Union. This helps to guarantee the quality of medical services. We care about the safety, comfort and successful results of our patients from all over the world.
The clinic helps patients with the documents needed to claim a refund after following the EU directive route for medical treatment abroad. It applies to patients who are insured under the systems of one of the EU countries and may not get the surgery due to long waiting times.
We provide customer service in 9 foreign languages including English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian, Polish. Everyone in our clinic speaks English, including nurses, assistants and the surgeon.
Athletes treated at Nordorthopaedics
Direct flights to Lithuania
What is limb lengthening surgery?
Limb lengthening surgery makes it possible to increase one’s height from 5 to 15 cm. Such results are achieved through distraction osteogenesis, a technique that utilizes the body’s capacity to grow new bone and other supportive tissues. This modern surgical procedure aims to lengthen the limbs (usually the legs), improve the stature, and increase functionality. In addition, limb lengthening surgery is relevant for those seeking to correct congenital bone conditions, like limb length discrepancy.
What are bone lengthening methods?
There are two main techniques used in limb lengthening: one uses external fixators and the other one uses internal fixators.
External fixation involves attaching the bones to a special stabilizing structure, consisting of the apparatus and its control software, enabling various limb corrections to be made. It slowly pulls apart the bones, making them increase in length. This method is preferable while lengthening a shorter bone or performing more than one correction at a time. However, this fixation system looks aesthetically unappealing and has a higher risk of infection due to its external mechanism.
Alternatively, a surgeon can place limb-sparing mechanisms inside the bones (so called internal fixation). Inserting the stretching devices in the bone shaft allows more flexibility and comfort during recovery, while also minimizing the risk of infection. It is also worth mentioning that the recovery process is easier and less painful with the internal fixation method.
Pros and cons of bone lengthening methods
External fixation:
- A cheaper method;
- Recommended while performing more than one correction at a time;
- Better for lengthening a shorter bone;
- Higher risk of infection;
- Less comfortable and aesthetically pleasing because of external apparatus;
- Joint stiffness and muscle contracture is possible;
- A bigger chance of breaking a lengthened bone.
Internal fixation:
- More comfort;
- Quicker and easier rehabilitation;
- Lower risk of infection;
- Less scars and pain;
- Lower risk of damaging nerves or blood vessels.
How long does the treatment last and what are the results?
The length of the limb lengthening surgery is about 2 hours. The patient is released from the hospital after 1-3 days.
The bone distraction (lengthening) process starts 5-7 days after the operation. The fixators lengthen the bones approximately 1 mm every day, making it possible to gain up to 2.5 cm of height per month. During this stage a patient must adjust the settings of fixation apparatus according to a schedule given by a surgeon after the operation.
The duration of the limb lengthening depends on the desired goals. However, the recommended duration is about 2-6 months. This way a patient can gain up to 15 centimeters of height.
The next stage of limb lengthening is bone consolidation during which the bone starts hardening and healing.
The internal fixation system is removed after 1-2 years after the surgery. The external system must be removed only after the bones are fully healed.
Who is an eligible limb lengthening candidate?
Limb lengthening is more popular with people from particular professional areas (business, military, or modelling). However, the surgery can also be designed to correct hereditary bone conditions (a short femur, proximal femoral focal deficiency, fibular hemimelia, posteromedial bow of the tibia, and others).
How is limb lengthening performed?
Limb lengthening treatment consists of a few phases: preparation, surgery, latency, distraction, and consolidation. The entire process can take 1-2 years, however, the exact timing varies from patient to patient.
During surgery, the thighbones and/or calf bones are lengthened through the process of distraction osteogenesis.
- Firstly, a surgeon cuts a bone in half, creating two separate segments.
- Then the surgeon places internal or external stretching device and performs additional soft-tissue alterations, such as tendon lengthening.
- If an internal fixator is used, it will be placed inside the bone shaft, and thus, not visible on the outside.
- If an external lengthening system is chosen instead, the bone will be securely attached to the lengthening apparatus outside of the body.
After the surgery comes three recovery phases: the latency phase, the distraction phase, and the consolidation phase. During the latency phase, the bones and soft tissue are allowed to heal and rest for 5 to 7 days. During the distraction phase, the stretching devices are adjusted to slowly pull apart the bones (approximately 1 mm a day), therefore stimulating the growth of new bone tissue. The distraction phase is continued until the bones reach the desired length (approximately 2-6 months). The distraction of the bone is performed by the patient himself using a control mechanism according to the schedule. During the consolidation phase, calcium and other important minerals slowly calcify and harden the new bone. It can take about 2 to 3 months for the bones to regain total strength and be able to carry one’s weight fully.
Recovery after the surgery
While recovering, the patients must avoid nicotine and eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. While the bones are growing, it is crucial to regularly attend physical therapy (3-5 times a week) and see the doctor several times a month for quick check-ups. In case of internal stretching the device is removed after 1-2 years and after the bones have fully consolidated in case of external method. The removal is a short surgical procedure, performed in an outpatient setting which means that the patient does not need to stay in the hospital overnight.
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