Fitbone Orthofix Limb Lengthening Surgery: Achieve Height Safely and Precisely

Limb lengthening and bone elongation surgery is a serious, long-term procedure that requires precision, gradual adaptation, and patience. Patients undergoing bone elongation surgery can expect to achieve final results within approximately a year, during which they will gradually restore normal activity.

The Fitbone Orthofix system introduces an advanced technique designed to enhance patient safety and comfort.

The Fitbone Transport and Lengthening system is specifically used to treat bone defects in the lower limbs resulting from traumatic, infectious, or malignant conditions.

Its fully internal design and proven results make it a preferred choice among orthopedic specialists for patients seeking a discreet, predictable, and scientifically backed solution for limb lengthening.

Turkey has become a leading destination for Fitbone Orthofix surgery, combining high-quality care, advanced technology, and cost-effective solutions for international patients.

What Is Fitbone Orthofix?

Fitbone by Orthofix is a motorized intramedullary (inside the bone) system used for limb lengthening and bone transport, primarily in the femur and tibia. It enables safe and gradual bone reconstruction through an implanted nail and an external controller that precisely adjusts bone length.

Fitbone Orthofix is a fully internal system designed to elongate bones in cases of short stature and to reconstruct bone loss resulting from trauma, infection, or tumor removal.

The system comprises a motorized intramedullary nail inserted into the bone and a small receiver positioned under the skin. Using an external remote controller, patients can gradually activate the nail to lengthen the bone with precision.

This advanced technology supports natural bone formation while improving comfort, hygiene, and cosmetic outcomes during recovery.

Fitbone vs Precise Limb Lengthening

Both Fitbone and Precice are advanced intramedullary limb lengthening systems, but they work through different mechanisms and recovery protocols. The

Fitbone offers earlier mobility with an electrically powered system, while Precice provides magnetic precision but requires more cautious rehabilitation.

The Fitbone system operates with an internal motor powered by a subcutaneous electrical receiver, which allows partial weight-bearing soon after surgery. It uses a stainless steel nail that gradually extends when activated by an external electrical controller.

One of the unique features of the Fitbone Orthofix system over all other bone elongation alternatives is its ability to perform bone transport, a function rarely found in other internal lengthening systems.

In contrast, the Precice system uses a magnetically driven titanium nail, lengthened through a remote magnetic controller. Weight-bearing is restricted during the distraction phase, and some patients may need a wheelchair to protect the internal components.

Precice system (by NuVasive) is developed primarily for limb lengthening in cases of congenital or cosmetic short stature. It isn’t typically used for bone transport or large bone defect reconstruction, as it lacks the internal mechanism required to move bone segments across extended gaps.

Below is a detailed comparison between Fitbone Orthofix and Precice 2, highlighting their core differences in functionality, materials, and patient experience.

Advantages of Fitbone Orthofix for Limb Lengthening System

Fitbone differs from other limb lengthening methods like PRECICE, other motorized intramedullary nails, or external fixators in that it uses a fully internal, electrically controlled nail that allows early weight-bearing, reduces infection risk, minimizes visible scarring, and provides precise, gradual bone lengthening

Best Advantages of Fitbone Orthofix

1. Fully internal system with very low infection risk.
2. Minimally invasive with small incisions and minimal pain during recovery.
3. No external devices or visible scars.
4. Allows early movement and faster rehabilitation.
5. Patients can walk and perform daily activities safely.

What Is Fitbone Orthofix Used For?

1. Correcting leg length discrepancies:

Helps equalize uneven leg lengths caused by congenital conditions, growth disturbances, or previous fractures, improving balance and gait.

2. Treating bone defects from trauma or infection:

Reconstructs missing or damaged bone segments by transporting healthy bone tissue to fill gaps and restore full limb function.

3. Increasing a person’s height:

Safely lengthens the femur or tibia for individuals with short stature or those seeking cosmetic height enhancement through controlled bone elongation.

Best Candidates for Fitbone Orthofix Surgery

1. Age: Typically suitable for adults and adolescents over 12, with some specialists recommending 16+ to ensure growth plates are closed.
2. Health: Candidates should be generally healthy, without medical conditions that could increase infection risk or complicate recovery.
3. Smoking Status: Non-smokers are preferred to optimize healing and reduce complications.
4. Psychological Readiness: Patients should fully understand the procedure, recovery timeline, and expected outcomes, and be motivated to address concerns related to limb length discrepancy or short stature.

How Fitbone Orthofix Surgery Works

The Fitbone surgery technique works by implanting a motorized Fitbone nail completely inside the bone, which is connected to a small receiver placed under the skin.

Using an external remote control, the patient sends electromagnetic signals to the receiver, activating the motor inside the nail. These signals gradually extend the bone and stimulate new bone formation in a controlled and natural way.

Fitbone limb lengthening surgery has an increased height by ​ 8 cm (about 3.1 inches) in the femur and up to 7 cm (about 2.7 inches) in the tibia.

Surgical Insertion

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes around 2 hours. During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon performs a precise bone cut (osteotomy) and inserts the Fitbone nail into the femur or tibia.

The internal receiver is positioned just under the skin, allowing it to receive signals from the external remote control. The Fitbone system is designed for safe, gradual limb lengthening with minimal discomfort.

Initial Healing (Latency Period)

After surgery, the bone is allowed to rest for 5–7 days, giving the body time to start healing before the lengthening begins. This period is crucial to ensure that the bone is stable enough for gradual elongation.

Distraction Phase (Lengthening of Bone)

Once healing begins, the patient uses the external remote control daily. The device sends electromagnetic pulses to the internal nail, activating the motor inside.

The nail extends the bone in small, precise increments each day. As the bone ends are pulled apart, new bone tissue (called callus) forms naturally in the gap. The lengthening schedule is predetermined based on the patient’s goals.

Consolidation Phase

When the desired length is reached, the nail remains in place while the new bone hardens and strengthens, a process that typically takes 2–6 months.

Regular X-rays and follow-ups are required to ensure proper bone formation and alignment. During this period, patients gradually return to normal activities under medical supervision.

Fitbone Nail Removal

The Fitbone nail is removed by a minimally invasive surgery that is usually performed 12 to 18 months after the initial limb lengthening procedure, once the newly formed bone (regenerate) has completely hardened and remodeled.

In some patients, especially younger or faster healers, removal may be done as early as 10 months, while in others it may take up to 24 months, depending on factors such as:

1. The amount of length gained
2. Bone quality and healing speed
3. Patient’s age and physical condition
4. Surgeon’s clinical assessment based on X-rays

Cost of fitbone limb lengthening surgery in Turkey

The cost of Fitbone Orthofix surgery varies widely depending on the country, implant type, and complexity of treatment. In the United States,

Fitbone surgery can exceed $120,000 for both legs and may reach $250,000 when both the femur and tibia are lengthened.

Cost of limb lengthening surgery in Turkey is significantly lower than in the US, with comparable quality of care and advancement.

In Turkey, the same fitbone surgery starts from around $15,000, making it one of the most affordable destinations with skilled orthopedic surgeons.

A comparison of Fitbone Orthofix Limb Lengthening Surgery Costs by Country

Why Choose Turkey for Fitbone Orthofix Surgery?

1. Affordable Fitbone Surgery: Turkey provides Fitbone Orthofix surgery at significantly lower costs compared to the US, Europe, or other countries. Prices are more accessible due to favorable exchange rates and lower operating expenses, making it a cost-effective option for both femur and tibia lengthening.
2. Highly Skilled Surgeons: Turkish orthopedic surgeons have extensive experience in height increase and bone reconstruction surgeries. Many specialists are trained internationally and perform Fitbone surgery regularly, ensuring precision, safety, and predictable results.
3. Advanced Medical Technology: With state-of-the-art surgical systems and motorized devices, including Fitbone Orthofix, Turkish clinics ensure that patients receive modern, high-tech treatment for optimal outcomes.
4. Comprehensive Medical Packages: Many clinics offer all-inclusive packages that cover surgery, hospital stay, accommodation, airport transfers, and post-operative follow-ups. This makes the entire process seamless and stress free for international patients.
5. High Healthcare Standards: Turkish hospitals meet international healthcare standards, with well-equipped facilities, modern operating rooms, and highly trained staff.

Read more about Surgery to Get Taller in Turkey: Costs, Procedure & Recovery

Get Safe and Precise Fitbone Limb Lengthening in Turkey

Trust Turkey Luxury Clinics for expert orthopedic care, advanced technology, and all-inclusive packages designed to make your Fitbone surgery safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Book your consultation today and start your journey to longer, stronger, and perfectly aligned limbs.

FAQs About Fitbone Orthofix