Limb Lengthening SurgeryLimb LengtheningSurgery · DirectoryMatch

LATN

Lengthening And Then Nailing

External fixator drives the distraction phase; once length is achieved, an internal nail is inserted and the frame removed.

How it works

LATN is a variant of LON. The external fixator is used only during the distraction phase; at the end, the patient returns to theatre, an intramedullary nail is placed, and the external frame is removed. Consolidation then occurs with the internal nail providing stability.

At a glance

Typical gain
5–8 cm
Total recovery
16–28 weeks
Distraction sites
femur, tibia
External hardware
Yes
Status
Actively used

Advantages

  • Lower cost than fully-internal techniques
  • Fixator time limited to distraction phase

Considerations

  • Two separate surgeries (fixator removal + nail insertion)
  • Pin site care during distraction

Clinics offering LATN (5)

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational content, not medical advice. Every patient anatomy is different — technique selection requires in-person consultation with a qualified surgeon.
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