SynthesisJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2025
Aesthetic lower limb lengthening techniques: a systematic review of efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction.
Synthesis in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Efficacy and safety of limb lengthening in achondroplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.International orthopaedics · 2026Pooled it
- Magnetic Intramedullary Lengthening Nails for Complex Lower Extremity Reconstruction: Functional Outcomes, Bone Healing, and Complications.Journal of clinical medicine · 2026Article
- Evaluation of nursing snippet-based intervention on parents' burden and self-efficacy towards caring for their children undergoing limb lengthening surgery.BMC nursing · 2026Article
- Aggrecanopathy as an Underrecognized Cause of Idiopathic Short Stature: The Importance of Early Genetic Confirmation for Timely Diagnosis and Management-Case Reports and Literature Review.Diseases (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Functional outcomes and complications of tibial lengthening using the lengthening over nail technique in leg length discrepancy patients in a low-resource setting.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2026Article
- Measuring more than just centimeters: a scoping review of outcome measures in cosmetic stature lengthening.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2025Review
- Mechanism Failures in Externally Controlled Motorized Intramedullary Lengthening Nails: A Systematic Review.JB & JS open accessReview
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
Abstract
backgroundAesthetic limb lengthening (ALL) is a cosmetic procedure aimed at enhancing body symmetry and improving self-esteem through the gradual elongation of bones. Unlike functional limb lengthening, which addresses limb length discrepancies, ALL focuses on increasing limb length for aesthetic purposes. While functional limb lengthening has been extensively studied, a comprehensive analysis of ALL outcomes is needed. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy, complications, and patient satisfaction associated with different ALL techniques, including distraction osteogenesis and various external and internal fixation systems.
methodsA systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Scopus was conducted up to July 2024 to identify relevant studies in English. Eligible studies included case series, cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials with at least 12 months of follow-up. Studies focusing on adult populations undergoing aesthetic limb lengthening were included. Data on limb lengthening achieved, bone healing rates, complications, and patient satisfaction were extracted and synthesized through narrative analysis. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the MINORS criteria for non-randomized studies.
resultsA total of 12 studies involving 760 patients were included. Most patients were male (67%), with an average age of 24.75 years. Techniques employed included the Ilizarov method, motorized internal lengthening nails (MILN), and combined methods like Lengthening And Then Nailing (LATN). The lengthening achieved ranged from 62 mm to 87 mm, with an average of 67 mm. Patient satisfaction rates ranged from 88.8 to 98%. Psychological outcomes showed improvements in body image and self-esteem. Functionally, most patients resumed normal activities with minimal joint limitations. However, common complications included infections, bone healing issues, joint deformities, and material-related complications.
conclusionALL offers high patient satisfaction and psychological benefits, with patients reporting improved body image and self-esteem. Despite these positive outcomes, complications such as infections and bone healing issues remain significant. Further research with rigorous study designs is needed to improve the safety and efficacy of ALL procedures.
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