Limb Lengthening

Limb lengthening is a process used to correct limb length discrepancies due to a number of factors including:  

Clinical Reasons

• Trauma
• Malunion/nonunion
• Cancer resection
• Disease such as scoliosis, polio
• Congenital defect such as hemimelia

Aesthetic Reasons

• Dwarfism
• Premature puberty
• Constitutional low stature

In many cases, patients with limb length discrepancies use shoe lifts, canes, crutches, braces, or other devices for mobility. However, without limb equality, body mechanics--or the way we move--is greatly impacted.

The Limb Lengthening Program at Penn has highly-skilled specialists who can correct and improve limb length inequalities with modern techniques that make the process much easier than traditional limb lengthening technology. Penn is one of only a few centers in the country who offer this highly advanced and sophisticated procedure.