LON Introduction

Lengthening Over Nail (LON), is the combination of the use of intramedullary nail and external Ilizarov fixation. LON is a long-established and well-developed minimally technique for limb lengthening surgery, which can be traced back to the medical technology used during the World War to treat wounded soldiers. Through the placement of intramedullary nails and external fixators, limb lengthening can be achieved without causing long term damage to the periosteum and the neuromuscular blood vessels, without completely emptying the marrow cavity of the bones, and without disrupting the blood supply to the bones. Our patients can start standing with a walker as soon as 2 days post-op. Walking with a walker can begin 7 days post-op. Most of our patients can start walking independently without crutches one month after the lengthening is finished, and can gradually engage in moderate-intensity exercise (such as swimming) after getting off crutches. To minimize scarring, we use a sophisticated subcutaneous suture for all the incisions.

We at VOLLC provide an ideal limb lengthening solution for patients who have limited budget, limited time for recovery and high expectation of scar appearance.