How Much Taller Can Limb Lengthening Surgery Make You?
Limb lengthening surgery is a procedure designed to increase a person's height by lengthening the bones in their legs. It's a significant undertaking, but for individuals seeking to increase their stature, it can offer a viable option. The amount of height gained varies, but typical results show increases between 5 cm (2 inches) to 8 cm (3.1 inches) per bone lengthened. This means that if both the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) are lengthened, a person could potentially gain up to 13 cm (5.1 inches) in total height.
Factors Influencing Height Gain
Several factors influence the amount of height a person can gain from limb lengthening surgery. These include:
- Bone Density: Bone density is crucial. As people age, bone density declines, which can affect how much the bones can be safely lengthened.
- Individual Anatomy: The patient's bone structure and overall health play a significant role in determining the potential for height gain.
- Surgical Technique: The method used by the surgeon can also influence the outcome.
- Post-operative Care: Proper care and rehabilitation after surgery are essential for achieving the desired results.
Surgical Methods
There are two main types of limb lengthening methods:
- External Lengthening: This method involves attaching an external device to the leg, which gradually stretches the bone.
- Internal Lengthening: This method uses an implant inside the bone to facilitate the lengthening process. Modern limb lengthening often relies on intramedullary nails, metal devices that fit inside the bone to provide stability during the process.
Safety and Limitations
While limb lengthening surgery can effectively increase height, it's important to be aware of the limitations and potential risks. Surgeons generally recommend a maximum lengthening of 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in the thigh bone (femur). Lengthening more than 3 inches in one bone can increase the risk of complications. If a greater height increase is desired, a second procedure can be performed on the shin bones (tibiae) after about a year.
Conclusion
Limb lengthening surgery offers a way to increase height, typically by 2 to 6 inches, and in some cases, up to 6 inches (15 cm). The procedure involves careful surgical techniques and a significant recovery period. Consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon is essential to understand the potential benefits and risks.