New Limb Lengthening Method - Fitbone

The most common and oldest way of limb lengthening is Llizarov which involves cutting your tibia and installing external fixators around your legs. This procedure is evasive.

The Fitbone is all internal. FITBONE (fully integrated telescopic bone) nail is a distraction device powered by an internal engine which is activated by a hand held remote. The remote activates distraction by sending messages to the receiver implanted below the skin.

The FITBONE does not allow full weight bearing; therefore patients are required to use a wheelchair during the entire lengthening phase.

FITBONE allows for a 5 cm. (2 inch) gain in one bone segment.

The Fitbone System, is similar in function to a telescopic car antenna.



The nail consisting of 2 parts is powered by a minute engine gear device which draws the telescope apart by applying force of up to 200 kg, during which the extension is externally steered via electronic impulses. The Fitbone nail elongation is propelled by a highly sensitive epicyclic gear which has been manufactured by Wittenstein Intens, a company specialising in high precision gearing.



Both implants are inserted through one single small entrance simultaneously elongating the thigh and lower leg. This entrance point "Model Entrance Point" was developed by Prof. Betz. All that remains is a tiny scar in a natural skinfold. Even the artificial growth juncture is inserted as gently as possible via an internal access point.

The aim is always to achieve an identical natural reconstruction.

Please read more here.