How is the limb lengthening surgery performed?
During the surgery a small incision is made in the bone, the internal nail is placed in the tibia and the external fixature is attached. A few days after the surgery lengthening process is started and the external fixature gradually pulls the bone apart, creating a distance between the bone where it is cut. This causes the bones to grow and lengthen. The growth rate is generally 1mm per day. After the desired lengthening is achieved the external fixature is removed and the internal nail is locked in place supporting the bone while the bone consolidates and achieves its normal strength and density.
