Leg shortening

Leg length discrepancies can be corrected either by lengthening the shorter side or by shortening the longer side. In most cases, however, the shorter leg also has associated deformities, so that lengthening is the more logical treatment. With fully implantable intramedullary distraction nails, both the shortening and any axial or rotational deviations can usually be corrected in a single operation if the surgical technique is correct. In addition, most patients do not want to become shorter, so shortening is the exception rather than the rule.

Only a few patients affected

Even though only a few patients are affected by excessive height, there are good indications for leg shortening and this is also one of the specialties of ZEM-Germany. Especially if the longer leg has additional deformities, a correction with shortening should be considered. Acute shortening should not exceed about 4-5 cm on the thigh and about 3 cm on the lower leg in order to keep the risk of blood vessel kinking low.

For people who feel "too tall"

Just as people suffer from short stature, there are also people who are significantly taller than their fellow human beings or at least feel significantly too tall. A shortening of both legs is technically possible, but falls into the cosmetic realm, as does a bilateral leg lengthening, for shorter people without a pathological who want to become taller. Since a piece of bone has to be removed to achieve the desired amount of bone shortening, the scars are somewhat larger than with a leg lengthening and the extent of shortening possible is limited. However, for people who are so impaired by their height that they walk only with a slight stoop in order not to attract attention or bump their head, a bilateral leg shortening is the only treatment option. At ZEM-Germany, we provide competent advice and minimally invasive treatment.