Surgery to increase height, specifically limb lengthening surgery, can typically add 2-3 inches to a person's height when lengthening the thigh bone (femur).
Here's a breakdown:
-
Typical Lengthening: The most common and recommended lengthening in the femur is between 2 and 3 inches (5-8 cm).
-
Safety Considerations: Lengthening one bone (like the femur) by more than 3 inches significantly increases the risk of complications. Patient safety is paramount, so doctors generally adhere to this guideline.
-
Procedure: Limb lengthening surgery involves cutting a bone (osteotomy) and then gradually separating the bone segments using an external or internal fixator. This stimulates new bone growth in the gap.
-
Bone Options: While the femur is a common site, the tibia (shin bone) can also be lengthened. Combining lengthening in both the femur and tibia could theoretically result in a greater height increase, but this further elevates the risk of complications and is less frequently performed.
-
Complications: Potential complications associated with limb lengthening surgery can include nerve damage, blood vessel damage, infection, delayed bone healing, nonunion (failure of the bone to heal), muscle contractures, and joint stiffness.
Therefore, while the exact amount of height gained depends on individual circumstances and the specific bones lengthened, 2-3 inches is a typical expectation for a single-bone lengthening procedure like femur lengthening. Lengthening beyond this amount significantly increases complication rates.
