Results of cosmetic lower limb lengthening by the lengthening over nail technique

We conducted a retrospective study by reviewing our results following cosmetic lengthening using the lengthening over nail technique in terms of the importance of the patient selection process, bone and soft tissue complications, and functional and subjective clinical outcomes. The study data were obtained from medical records and radiographs. A total of 32 patients, 24 males and 8 females, with constitutional short stature underwent the lengthening over nail technique for cosmetic purposes between 2000 and 2013. Lengthening was performed in the femora of 15 patients and in the tibiae of 17 patients. All patients who were accepted for cosmetic lengthening underwent a careful selection process that included a psychiatric evaluation. The mean follow-up time was 73 months (range, 12 to 163 months). Thirty-four complications were reported. Cosmetic lengthening is not without complications. Patient selection is of paramount importance. This technique is recommended for cosmetic lengthening because it is minimally-invasive and it has documented reproducible results.