List of World Wide Leg Lengthening Surgery Hospitals

  • Brazil
    • Cajuru University Hospital (Universidade Católica do Paraná)
      The typical cost of limb lengthening for cosmetic purposes is about $US 30,000. The actual cost depends on the amount and site of lengthening and the type of frame used. Complications that may occur during the process could also affect the final price.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Richard Luzzi MD MSc.
        Dr. Luzzi has performed more than 2,000 cases of bone reconstruction and limb lengthening since 2002. He is the president of AMPARO. The Multidisciplinary Association for Limb Lengthening and Bone Reconstruction helps people during the treatment for bone reconstruction.
      • Contact:
        Cajuru University Hospital
        Dept of Orthopedics
        Limb Lengthening and Bone Reconstruction Division
        Avenida São José, 300
        Bairro Cristo Rei
        Curitiba – Paraná
        80.050-350
        Brazil

        Phone: +55-41-3271-2890
        +55-41-9611-5252
        Fax: +55-41-3271-3029
        Email: richardluzzi@uol.com.br
    • Hospital Beneficencia Portuguesa
      This is one of the largest hospitals in Sao Paulo. The typical cost of the operation is $US 10,000. The URL links to the hospital’s home page. We could not find any pages about leg lengthening.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Monica Paschoal Nogueira, MD.
        Dr. Nogueira has done a fellowship in Baltimore with Dr. Dror Paley and Dr. John Herzemberg.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Monica Paschoal Nogueira, MD Orthopaedics Department
        Adult and Pediatric Limb Reconstruction
        Rua Oliveira Dias, 51
        01433-030 Sao Paulo – SP
        Brazil

        Phone: 55 11 3887 7600
        55 11 3884 5123
        Email: monipn@uol.com.br
    • Hospital da Baleia
      The typical cost of limb lengthening for cosmetic purposes is about $US 30,000 not including rehabilitation (phisioterapist).

      • Physician:
        Dr. Wagner Nogueira da Silva
        Dr. Nogueira da Silva has performed bone lenghtening and reconstruction surgeries since 1989. He has operatored on more than 3,500 patients. He was fellow in Lecco-Italy with Prof. Maurizio Catagni and studied at the Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics in Kurgan. From 2001 to 2003 he was the chairman of ASAMI-Brazil.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Wagner Nogueira da Silva
        NOT – Av. Raja Gabaglia, 2636
        Estoril – Belo Horizonte – Minas Grais
        Brazil

        Phone: +55-31-3297-2600
        Email: wagnernogueiradasilva@yahoo.com.br
        wagner_nogueira@hotmail.com

  • China

    • Beijing Institute of External Skeletal Fixation Technology
      The web site has new, more professional look. While the English is not very good, it does provide more information than most similar Web sites. There is an extensive FAQ which is more realistic about pain and recovery times than we have seen elsewhere.This institute performs the basic Ilizarov procedure as well as a Lengthening Over Nails variation. The institute offers two package. The $US 20,000 package includes to 20-day hospital stay following surgery to install the Ilizarov devices and a 14-day hospital stay following their removal. The second package costs $US 25,000 and covers a contiguous four month hospital stay.

      Dr. Hetao Xia, the president, was featured in several News Articles in the 2004 and 2005.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Hetao Xia
      • Contact:
        Beijing Institute of External Skeletal Fixation Technology
        Wandimingyuan 2-402, Haidian District
        Xisihuan MiddleRoad, No.39
        Beijing, 100039
        China

        Phone: 86-10-68283645
        Email:  webmaster@esf.org.cn
    • The 8th Hospital
      The Web site describes a micro-wound operation for leg lengthening. This procedure uses a a fixative clip instead of a Ilizarov fixator. The fixator clip covers just one side of the leg and appears to be more comfortable that an Ilizarov fixator which surrounds the leg. The total cost is about $US 8,000.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Helong Bai
        Dr. Helong Bai is a member of the National Orthopaedics Council.
      • Contact:
        The 8th Hospital
        Department of Stature
        Miao Er Sh, Jiangbei District
        Chongqing, 400022
        China

        Phone: 0086-023-67773828
        Email: jessica@cta.cq.cn

  • Egypt

    • Ain Shams University Hospital
      One option is External Fixation leg lengthening which costs between $US 10,000 to $US 15,000 depending on choice of accommodation. Early removal of External Fixation with replacement by Internal Fixation is recommended and available for $US 25,000. All implants are FDA approved

      • Physician:
        Dr. Khaled M Emara
        Assistant Professor of Orthopedic Surgery
        Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology
        Faculty of Medicine

        • 4 years residency Ain Shams University Hospitals (Egypt)
        • 3 years Ass. Lecturer Ain Shams University Hospitals (Egypt)
        • 3 month AO fellowship (Switzerland)
        • 1 year Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship, (Ohio, USA)
        • 6 month Pediatric Orthopedics & Scoliosis Fellowship (Texas, USA)
        • 5 years Lecturer and consultant of Orthopedics & Trauma (Egypt)
        • 1 year Shriners Hospital for Children (Portland, Oregon USA)

        Two people contacted Short Persons Support and reported good results by Dr. Emara. One patient gave his permission to publish his report.

      • Contact:
        Dr. Khaled M Emara
        Ain Shams University Hospital
        13 B Kornesh EL Nile
        Agha Khan, Cairo
        Egypt

        Email: kmemara@hotmail.com
        Phone: (011) 202 2055661
        Mobile: (011) 202 2513929

    • Cairo International Center of Limb lengthening and reconstruction
      Leg lengthening surgeries are performed at a new state-of-the-art hospital. The cost is averages $US 15,000. Services include transportation to and from the airport, satellite TV, and Internet access.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Yasser Elbatrawy, General Director
        Lecturer of Orthopedic Surgery
        Chief of Ilizarov surgery unit at Elzahraa University Hospital
        Dr. Elbatrawy received the following training in leg lengthening procedures:

        • Two years fellowship with Dr. Maurizio Catagni, a pioneer of Ilizarov surgery and the founding member of ASAMI, Lecco, Italy.
        • One year fellowship with Dr. Paley and Dr. Herzenberg, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
        • Advanced Diploma in Ilizarov surgery, Ilizarov Institute, Kurgan, Russia.
        • One year in Ulm, Germany.
        • Member of ASAMI International since 1996.
        • Member of ASAMI North America since 1999

        Dr. Elbatrawy and his staff have completed over 1,000 successful lengthening procedures since 1996. An FDA approved and CE certified version of the Ilizarov external fixator device is used for the lengthening process.Dr. Elbatrawy’s service is very popular because of good results and low costs. Six people contacted Short Persons Support and reported good to excellent results following surgery by Dr. Elbatrawy. Five of them report that the procedure was performed in an operating theatre with modern medical equipment and that staff are friendly and helpful. The fifth patient reported that the medical staff is terrible, the facility old and run down and pain management is inadequate.

        One patient gave his permission to publish his report.

      • Contact:
        Dr. Yasser Elbatrawy
        Elzahraa University Hospital
        8 Galaa Street
        Aghakhan, Cairo, 11241
        Egypt

        Email: ybatrawy@yahoo.com
        batrawy@hotmail.com
        Mobile: +2 0101 43 59 69

  • France
    • Polyclinique de Gentilly
      This facility specializes in Paediatric Orthopaedics and Limb Reconstruction in Children and Adults. Dr. Guichet’s site provides a wealth of good information about the Albizzia intramedullary lengthening device. The site includes a page on Constitutional Short Stature.

      • Physician:
        Dr Jean-Marc Guichet
        Dr. Guichet invented the Albizzia technique in 1986 and is currently developing the follow on 3D-Albizzia.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Jean-Marc Guichet
        Centre Phocea
        10 Bd G.ustave Ganay
        13009 Marseille
        France

        Phone: 33 (0) 491.17.3030
        Fax: 33 (0) 491.17.3038

  • Germany
    • Betz Institute
      This facility specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive limb lengthening. Prof. Dr. Betz is an experienced surgeon with internal devices.

      • Physician:
        Prof. Dr. Augustin Betz
        Dr. Betz is a pioneer in the use of Fitbone® technology for leg lengthening. In Fitbone® surgery, a telescoping Nail System is inserted in the thigh or lower leg through two small incisions and connected to each end of the cut bone. It uses an external power supply to extend the bones. Dr. Betz also uses other internal methods for cosmetic and reconstructive limb lengthening (Albizzia, ISKD) as well as External devices.
      • Contact:
        Prof. Dr. med. Augustin Betz
        Betz institute
        Heeresstr. 49
        66822 Lebach
        Germany

        Phone: +49 (0) 175-7815- 512
        Email: info@betzinstitute.com
    • Center for Corrective and Reconstructive Surgery of Extremities (ZEM)
      Drs. Baumgart and Thaller perform leg lengthening using Fitbone® technology. A detailed explanation of the two variations of this technology is included. The cost for both tibia and femur lengthening is $US 150,000. More than 400 Fitbone® surgeries have been performed at this center, including 100 in 2006 alone.

      • Physicians:
        • Prof. Dr. Rainer Baumgart
          Medical Director and owner, specialist for Fitbone® surgery
        • Dr. Peter H. Thaller
          Medical Director and owner, specialist for Fitbone® surgery
      • Contact:
        ZEM
        German limblengthening center
        Prof. Dr. med. Rainer Baumgart
        Dr. med Peter H. Thaller
        Nymphenburgerstr 1
        80335 München
        Germany

        Phone: 49 (089) 5434 – 896 – 0
        Fax: 49 (089) 5434 – 896 – 19
        Email: mailto:info@zem.info

  • India
    • Centre for Ilizarov Techniques
      Founded in 1989, the centre offers a 60 bed facility and is part of Chaudhary Hospital in Akola, India. The site gives examples of increasing height in dwarfs. Occasionally, they will perform cosmetic leg lengthening but warn that it is a significant undertaking and should not be taken lightly. The site does not mention candidates with Constitutional Short Stature.

      • Physician:
        Milind Chaudhary, MS (Orth)
        Dr. Chaudharyis was chiefly instrumental in introducing Ilizarov Techniques in India in 1989. He undertook a fellowship under Dr. Dror Paley at the University of Maryland in 1989.
    • Vardaan Hospital and Medical Research Centre
      This facility is located in New Delhi, India. The Web site mentions height increase for dwarfs but does not mention candidates with Conditional Short Stature.

  • Iran
    • Limb Lengthening Center of Iran (LLCI)
      The center is located in Tehran, Iran. The web site provides information about the surgeons and introduces two techniques: Modified Lengthening Over Nails and an intramedullary nail for lengthening without an external frame. The center performs about 40 limb lengthening surgeries a year. Dr. Motallebizadeh reports that as of April 2008, 183 height increasing surgeries have been performed with good results and that it’s possible to communicate with their candidates directly to learn more about their experiences.

      • Physicians:
        • Dr. Nader Motallebi Zadeh. Board certified founder and head of LLCI.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Nader Motallebizadeh
        Iadegar Emam Highway (at the begining of zanjan e shomaly street)
        NO 17 – Nader Surgical Center
        Tehran, 09123436352
        Iran

        Phone: +98-91-23436352
        Fax: +98-21-44010570
        E-mail: llcinet@llci.net

  • Italy

  • Jordan
    • Ilizarov Jordan
      This team of physicians works with different clinics in Jordan. The FAQ section of their Web site provides very good information.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Sifarini S. Castro
        Dr. Gueorgui (George) Goloubev
        Dr. Abel – Razzaq Y. Al-Absi
      • Contact:
        Dr. Sifarini S. Castro
        Zarqa
        P. O. Box 5662
        JordanPhone: 0962-79-5615337
        Email: fcastrovich@yahoo.com

  • Lebanon
    • American University of Beirut Medical Center
      This facility is a tertiary referral center for the country and the middle east. The average cost of the operation is about $US 8,000. The URL links to the hospital’s home page. We could not find any pages about leg lengthening.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Said Sodki Saghieh
        Dr. Saghieh spent one year with Drs. Paley and Herzenberg at the Maryland Center for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction in Baltimore, MD in 2000-2001.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Said Sodki Saghieh
        American University of Beirut Medical Center
        P.O. Box 11-0236
        Riad El-Solh
        Beirut 1107 2020
        LebanonPhone: 961-3-753184
        Email: ss15@aub.edu.lb

  • Macedonia
    • Sprecial Hospital for Orthopaedy and Traumatology
      Cost for the operation depends on the hospital treatment that is required.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Zoran Bitrak
      • Contact:
        Dr. Zoran Bitrak
        Sprecial Hospital for Orthopaedy and Traumatology
        “St. Erazmo”
        bul. Goce Delcev bb.
        6000 Ohrid
        MacedoniaPhone: +389 46 272700
        Email: zbitrak@mt.net.mk

  • Russia
    • Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics
      Located in Kurgan, Russia, the facility was founded in 1971 by Dr. Gavriil Abramovich Ilizarov, the original inventor of the Ilizarov method. Their Web site is very comprehensive and includes a section on Cosmetic Leg lengthening.

      • Physician:
        Prof. Vladimir Shevtsov
        General Director, RISC for RTO.
        Honored Scientist of RF, Corresponding member of RAMS.
      • Contact:
        Russian Ilizarov Scientific Center for Restorative Traumatology and Orthopaedics
        6, M.Ulianova St.
        Kurgan, 640014
        RussiaPhone: +7(3522)531732
        Email: inter@rncvto.kurgan.ru

    • International Centre of Anthropometrical (Orthopaedical) Cosmetology and Correction
      This centre is located in Volgograd, Russia. The web site provides a reasonable amount of detail about the centre and the procedures that are available. The total cost is between $US 15,000 to $US 30,000 depending on which clinic is used for surgery and recovery.One patient provided a detailed report of their experiences.

      • Physicians:
        • Dr. Alxander Barinov, M.D., PhD
          Orthopedic surgeon, follower of Prof. Yegorov
        • Dr. Viktor Shatov
          Orthopedic surgeon
    • Volgograd City Center of Orthopedics and Cosmetology
      This center is associated with the center listed above but the nature of that association is not clearly stated in the Web site.

      • Contact:
        Volgograd City Center of Orthopedics and Cosmetology
        40005, Sovetskaya St. 47.
        Volgograd
        Russia
        Email: info@cosmcenter.com

  • Serbia and Montenegro
    • Medical Faculty University of Nis
      The Orthopaedic and Traumatology clinic of the University of Nis has 50 beds, two operating rooms, and equipment for arthroscopic and minimally invasive surgery. Lengthening procedures are performed using “Mitkovic” external or internal fixator devices (previously applied to 13,000 patients). The typical cost of an operation is $US 7,000.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Milorad Mitkovic
        Dr. Milorad Mitkovic is Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon, Professor of Surgery at the Medical Faculty University of Nis, Director of the University Orthopaedic and Traumatology clinic, founder and head of an orthopaedic clinic in Kuwait, member of the National Academy of Medical Science and a visiting Professor in Switzerland.
      • Contact:
        Prof. dr Milorad Mitkovic
        Jovana Ristica 38
        18000 Nis
        Serbia and Montenegro

        Phone: (+381) 18 531 444
        Email: milorad@mitkovic.net

  • Singapore
    • Tan Tock Seng Hospital
      The first Fitbone® surgery in Asia was performed at this hospital. Although the Web site does not describe the operation, Dr. Singh wrote to us to confirm that he performs lengthening both for medical reasons and constitutional short stature. The center performs Lengthening Over Nails (LON) as well as Fitbone®.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Sarbjit Singh, M.D., FRCS(Edinburgh), FRCS(Glasgow), FAMS.
        Dr. Singh was trained in the Ilizarov method at Sick Kids, Toronto in 1991. He has conducted numerous courses and trained orthopedic surgeons in Asia. He is one of the founding members of the ASEAN ASAMI.
      • Contact:
        Dr Sarbjit Singh, M.D.
        Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
        Tan Tock Seng Hospital
        11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
        Singapore 308433

        Phone: (65)3577714
        Email: singh_sarbjit@ttsh.com.sg
        sarbjit1@singnet.com.sg

  • Thailand

    • Bangkok Pattaya Hospital
      The description of leg lengthening surgery is almost the same, word for word, as the description provided by the Beijing Institute of External Skeletal Fixation Technology. We don’t know which site copied from the other.

      • Contact:
        International Department
        301 Moo. 6 Sukhumvit Road
        Km. 143 Pattaya City
        Chonburi 20150 Thailand
        Tel. (66) 3825 9999
        Fax. (66) 3842 7770
        Email : inquiry@bph.co.thPhone: (66) 3825 9999
        E-Mail: inquiry@bph.co.th
    • Bumrungrad Hospital
      The Fitbone® surgery is performed at this hospital.

      • Contact:
        Dr. Karoon Mekanontchai
        Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
        33 Sukhumvit 3 (Soi Nana Nua)
        Wattana, Bangkok 10110
        ThailandPhone: +66-2-667 1256
        E-Mail: karoon@bumrungrad.com
    • Vejthani Hospital
      Leg Lengthening is available using the Ilizarov Fixator or Fitbone® technology. The usual cost is about $US 9,000 for Ilizarov surgery and $US 35,000 for Fitbone®. Prices depend on the amount of lengthening and the options that are chosen. Patients may choose to have one leg lengthened at a time, which is cheaper but more time consuming, or both legs simultaneously.

      • Contact:
        Vejthani Hospital
        Vejthani Height Clinic
        1 Ladprao Road 111
        Klong-Chan Bangkapi, Bangkok 10240
        ThailandPhone: 662-7340000 ext. 2316, 2332
        E-Mail: webmaster@vejthani.com

      Ed. Note: A former patient is willing to rent his lllizarov Fixator device at this hopsital for 100,000 Baht (about $US 3,000). Please Contact Us to be put in contact with this patient.

  • Turkey
    • Istanbul School of Medicine
      The University of Istanbul, Istanbul School of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology specializes in the use of the Ilizarov method. They also describe Lengthening Over Nails as an option.

      • Physicians:
        • Mehmet Çakmak, M.D., Professor.
        • Mehmet Kocaoglu, M.D., Associate Professor.

  • Ukraine
    • Ladisten Clinic
      Ladisten Clinic is a private medical company which performs treatment of orthopedic and traumatic surgery using modified Ilizarov-Veklich external fixator devices. The cost is approximately $US 30,000. In 2003 and 2004, two people reported serious complications during and after their stay at this clinic. Dr.Torry from Ladisten replied to these alegations in 2008. The original Ladisten Clinic Web site is available for viewing.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Vitaliy Veklich, M.D.
        Dr. Vitaliy Veklich has more than 20 years experience in orthopedic surgery specializing in the use of Ilizarov techniques. He has performed a wide variety of limb correction procedures on more than 1,000 patients. Dr. Veklich completed special training at the Kurgan Institute in Russia and has written more than 45 scientific articles.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Vitaliy Veklich
        Ladisten Clinic
        97 Lisova str.
        Kyiev, 08131
        Ukraine

        Phone / Fax: 380 44 222 8054
        Email: info@ladisten.com
        contact@doctorveklich.com
    • BONAMED Medical Center
      This center practices the Bliskunov’s method of an internal lengthening. The total cost is about $US 19,000.

      • Physician:
        Dr. Vladimir Dragan , M.D.
        Dr. Jamal Abunemer, M.D.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Vladimir Dragan
        Chervonozorianyi prospect, 17
        Kiev 01037
        Ukraine

        Phone: +380 (44) 244-77-61
        Email: bonex@ukrpack.net

        Dr. Jamal Abunemer.
        Chervonozorianyi prospect, 17
        Kiev 01037
        Ukraine

        Phone: +380 (50) 630-74-34
        Email: info@bliskunov.org

  • U.S.A.
    • LifeBridge International Center for Limb Lengthening (ICLL)
      In 2001, Drs. Paley and Herzenberg established the International Center for Limb Lengthening (ICLL) in Baltimore, Maryland. Their Web site provides the most comprehensive information available on the procedure. There is also a section that specifically address Leg Lengthening for Constitutional Short Stature. The facility performs both the Lengthening Over Nails (LON) technique and the new fully implantable self-lengthening nail (ISKD) technique. The cost is about $US 85,000 for 5cm of lengthening and can go as high as $US 140,000 if there are complications. Unplanned surgery occurs in approximately 25 percent of the cases.

      • Physicians:
        • Dr. Dror Paley, MD, FRCSC, Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Paley, the first North American orthopedic surgeon to study with Professor Ilizarov in Russia, introduced the Ilizarov method in North America in 1986. Dr. Paley has his own Web site, although there is little mention of Cosmetic Leg Lengthening.
        • Dr. John Herzenberg, MD, FRCSC, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery. While a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan, Dr. Herzenberg traveled to Russia to study with Professor Ilizarov. Dr. Herzenberg joined Dr. Paley as a member of the University of Maryland faculty in 1991.
    • Florida Hospital, Orthopaedic Institute, Fracture Care Center
      Dr. Cole is the medical directory of the Fracture Care Center. In 2000, he invented the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor (ISKD). Since then, more than 100 of Dr. Cole’s patients have been treated with this device.

      • Physician:
        Dr. J. Dean Coley, Medical Director.

        • Residency at the University of South Florida Hospital
        • Fellowship in Orthopaedic Traumatology at the University of Texas Medical
        • Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Texas Medical School.
        • Worked with Gavriil A. Ilizarov in the Soviet Union in the early 1990′s to learn lengthening principles.
      • Contact:
        Dr. J. Dean Cole
        601 East Rollins Street
        Orlando, Florida 32803, USA

        Phone: 407-303-9530
    • Hospital for Special Surgery
      Hospital for Special Surgery is located in New York City. The Limb Lengthening Service performs most surgeries to correct defects but they will perform the operation for Constitutional Short Stature for the appropriate candidate. Email correspondence is quite terse so a phone contact would be preferable.

      • Physicians:
        • S. Robert Rozbruch, M.D. Dr. Rozbruch trained in adult and pediatric limb lengthening at the Maryland Center for Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction. He is Co-Chief of the Limb Lengthening Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery and is an active member of the Orthopaedic Trauma Service.
        • Svetlana Ilizarov, M.D. After graduating from Chelyabinsk Medical School, Dr. Ilizarov trained by her father Prof. Gavriil A. Ilizarov in Limb Lengthening and Deformity Correction at the Center of Reconstructive Orthopaedics and Trauma. In the U.S. she was an international fellow at the Hospital for Joint Diseases. She is a board certified physiatrist specializing in Rehabilitation of patients after Ilizarov Surgery.
      • Contact:
        Dr. Robert Rozbruch, MD
        Hospital for Special Surgery
        New York, NY 10021 USA

        Phone: 212-606-1415
        Email: srrozbruch@limblengthening.com

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