Fitbone leg lengthening surgery benefits and risks

Have you ever dreamed of safely and naturally increasing your height? Height-lengthening surgery using the Fitbone technique gives you this opportunity with the latest medical technology. This technique relies on a precise electronic internal nail implanted inside the bone, which gradually controls the lengthening of the leg. This makes the procedure safer, less painful, and allows faster recovery compared to traditional methods.In this Delly Medical article, we will cover everything you need to know in detail: from preoperative preparations, procedural stages by type, recovery duration, benefits and advantages, to potential risks and essential tips to help you achieve the best possible results.

What is Fitbone Surgery?

Fitbone surgery is a modern technique for leg lengthening that uses an electronic internal nail implanted inside the bone. This nail gradually extends under precise electronic control, safely and accurately increasing bone length without the need for large external devices.

Is the procedure painful?

During surgery: No, it is performed under general or regional anesthesia depending on the patient.
After surgery: Mild to moderate pain, usually controlled with prescribed painkillers.

Who can undergo the procedure?

Typically, individuals after bone growth is complete (men after 18, women after 16).
Suitable for hereditary short stature or leg length discrepancies.

How much height can I gain?

Usually between 5–10 cm, depending on bone length and muscle/joint condition. Exceeding this may cause joint or muscle problems.

Are the results permanent?

Yes, new bones stabilize after healing, and the gained height is permanent.

Recovery duration:

Typically 6 months to 1 year for full bone growth. Walking and exercise are gradual under medical supervision.

Potential complications:

Rare, but may include:
- Infections
- Delayed bone healing
- Joint pain or stiffness
Most issues are easily managed when following the doctor’s instructions.

Is it suitable for all ages?

Best after bone growth completion. Not recommended for children or adolescents with growing bones.

Preoperative Preparation

Complete bone and leg assessment
X-rays to determine bone length and condition
General health evaluation and stopping smoking or certain medications
Hairline and scar planning, mental preparation, and rest

Can it be done on arms as well?

Usually for legs, but can be applied to arms or forearms in selected cases.

Can it correct leg length differences?

Yes, it can correct leg length discrepancies while increasing height.

Postoperative follow-up:

Weekly in the first month, then monthly
Periodic X-rays to monitor bone growth and ensure safe lengthening

Returning to sports:

Gradual, per doctor’s instructions
Intense exercise or running usually starts after 6–12 months with full bone and muscle recovery

Fitbone vs Traditional Methods

Fitbone is safer and more precise due to the internal electronic nail
Less pain, less swelling, and very low infection risk compared to external fixators

Movement restrictions during recovery:

Gradual walking with crutches
Avoid heavy lifting or pressure on legs until bone consolidation
Minor leg length differences can be corrected in follow-up sessions

Effect on joints:

Aim is to protect knee and hip joints
Temporary pain or stiffness may occur initially, reduced with physiotherapy

Chronic conditions:

Requires careful evaluation (e.g., diabetes, heart issues must be controlled)

Pain after healing:

Usually disappears once bones stabilize
Persistent pain should be reported to the doctor

Benefits of Fitbone Surgery

Accurate, natural height increase
Minimal surgical intervention with internal nail, reducing pain and complications
Precise control of daily lengthening rate
Natural and stable results
Relatively faster recovery with early guided movement
High safety through daily electronic monitoring
Improved self-confidence
Fewer surgical visits needed

Components of the Fitbone System

Internal Nail: Implanted in the bone with gradual extension mechanism
Control Unit/Remote: Small external device to control daily lengthening
Electronic Drive Cables: Transfer movement from control unit to nail for smooth extension
Medical Accessories: Surgical fixation tools, temporary nails, bone growth monitoring devices

Types of Fitbone Surgery

Leg Lengthening (Tibia/Femur) – most common, electronic control avoids joint strain
Arm Lengthening (Humerus) – for arm length discrepancies or cosmetic reasons
Bilateral Lengthening – lengthens both legs evenly with separate control
Leg Length Discrepancy Correction – gradually lengthens shorter leg for balance
Gradual/Partial Lengthening – 1–2 mm per day, reduces pain and allows testing tolerance

Procedure Steps

1. Leg Lengthening (Tibia/Femur):

General anesthesia
Small bone incision, implant Fitbone internal nail
Fix bone ends with precise metal supports
Close wound with fine sutures
Start gradual lengthening (1–2 mm/day) after 5–7 days using control unit

2. Arm Lengthening (Humerus):

General or local anesthesia with sedatives
Implant Fitbone via small incision
Gradual daily lengthening to avoid muscle/joint issues

3. Bilateral Lengthening:

Lengthen both legs with separate control
Physical therapy to improve movement during lengthening

4. Leg Length Discrepancy Correction:

Precisely measure shorter leg
Implant Fitbone in shorter leg only
Gradual lengthening until leg lengths equalize

5. Gradual/Partial Lengthening:

Pre-determine desired height increase
Lengthen 1–2 mm/day to reduce muscle/tendon stress
Suitable for minor height increases or tolerance testing

Recovery Timeline

First 2 weeks:

Natural pain and swelling, especially in bones and muscles
Limited mobility, use of crutches or walker
Wound healing, suture removal after 10–14 days

Weeks 3–4:

Begin gentle joint movements
Pain and swelling gradually decrease

Phase 1 of Gradual Lengthening (1–3 months):

Nail extends bones 1–2 mm/day
Walking with support to avoid stress on new bones
Muscles and tendons adapt gradually

4. Intermediate Phase (3–6 months)

Bone length approaches the target.
More movement is allowed, but exercises should remain light and under medical supervision.
X-rays are performed to ensure proper bone growth.

5. Final Consolidation Phase (6–12 months)

The device remains in place until the new bone fully hardens.
Bones are stronger, and moderate daily activities can gradually resume.
High-impact activities or intense sports only after doctor’s approval.

6. Full Recovery (12–18 months)

Fully grown bones can handle the body’s normal weight and pressure.
Muscles adapt to the new length.
Final height and full natural function of the leg or arm are achieved.

Risks of Fitbone Height-Lengthening Surgery

Although Fitbone is one of the safest and most advanced bone lengthening methods, potential risks include:

1. Surgery-related complications

Infection of wound or bone: Rare but possible, may require antibiotics or additional intervention.
Bleeding: Common after any surgery, usually mild and manageable.
Blood clots: Low risk but possible, especially for patients with circulation issues.

2. Bone-related problems

Delayed bone growth (Delayed Union): Bone takes longer to heal, extending recovery time.
Incomplete bone healing (Non-union): Very rare, may occur if partial weight-bearing or doctor’s instructions are not followed.
Bone fractures or damage: Possible during fixation or due to early weight-bearing before consolidation.

3. Joint and muscle issues

Joint stiffness: Can affect knees, ankles, or elbows due to limited early movement.
Muscle or tendon overstretching: Especially during the lengthening phase if muscles do not adapt quickly.
Chronic pain: Rare, but may persist after recovery.

4. Device-related issues

Fitbone malfunction: Rare, may stop or overextend lengthening.
Device misalignment: Sometimes requires surgical or medical readjustment.

5. Other risks

Leg length difference: Minor differences may appear if lengthening is not perfectly balanced.
Swelling and bruising: Normal after surgery, gradually disappears.
Circulatory problems or clots: Very rare, but possible in certain cases.

Tips to reduce risks:

Choose a specialized surgeon experienced with Fitbone.
Follow all doctor instructions during lengthening and recovery.
Regularly monitor bone growth with X-rays and check-ups.
Maintain prescribed movement and physiotherapy to prevent joint stiffness and muscle problems.

Preoperative Clinical Assessments for Fitbone Surgery

Before surgery, thorough examinations are essential to ensure healthy bones and overall safety:

1. General medical assessment

Measure height, weight, and fitness level.
Examine joints and muscles to ensure strength and ability to support gradual lengthening.
Confirm no chronic illnesses prevent surgery (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes or heart disease).

2. Bone and joint evaluation

Precisely measure bone length (usually femur and tibia).
Assess bone density and strength.
Check for deformities or prior fractures.

3. Imaging tests

X-ray: Measures bone length and alignment.
CT Scan: 3D imaging to assess bone density and thickness, useful for complex deformities or prior surgeries.
MRI: Evaluates soft tissues around bones (muscles, tendons, joints).
Digital Planning: Simulation software to determine nail length and extension angles for safe, precise results.

4. Blood tests and general labs

Check blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function.
Assess iron and vitamin D levels to support bone healing.
Ensure no infections or conditions that may affect recovery.

5. Muscle and tendon evaluation

Assess strength of muscles around knees, ankles, and thighs.
Ensure tendon flexibility to avoid strain or injury during gradual lengthening.

Key Tips Before and After Fitbone Height-Lengthening Surgery

Before Surgery

Physical preparation and tests:

Blood tests and bone X-rays.
Comprehensive joint and muscle evaluation.
Ensure no chronic illnesses that may interfere with recovery.

Stop smoking and alcohol:

At least one week before surgery to enhance bone healing and reduce complications.

Improve nutrition:

Eat foods rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D.
Drink sufficient water to maintain tissue health and support recovery.

Mental preparation and rest:

Get adequate sleep to reduce fatigue.
Familiarize yourself with the procedure and recovery stages to reduce anxiety.

Discuss medications with your doctor:

Inform the doctor of all medications and supplements.
Stop anticoagulants or aspirin before surgery as directed.

After Surgery

Follow doctor’s instructions:

Take prescribed painkillers and antibiotics.
Attend all X-ray and check-up appointments to monitor bone growth.

Rest and controlled movement:

Complete rest in the first days post-surgery.
Gradual weight-bearing or light walking as advised.
Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting until the consolidation period ends.

Device and wound care:

Keep the implant site clean.
Do not touch or tamper with wires or supports.

Physiotherapy:

Start light exercises to prevent joint stiffness.
Gradually increase movement as recovery progresses to strengthen muscles and tendons.

Proper nutrition:

Eat meals rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins to support bone growth.
Drink plenty of water to aid healing and reduce swelling.

Monitor for unusual signs:

Immediately report severe swelling, unbearable pain, redness, or discharge.

Patience and adherence to schedule:

Lengthening takes time. Follow the gradual extension plan precisely.
Final results appear gradually; adherence reduces risks and increases success.