LON
Lengthening Over Nail
A hybrid technique: external fixator drives distraction while an internal nail provides stability — fixator removed earlier than classical Ilizarov.
How it works
LON (Lengthening Over Nail) combines an external fixator with an intramedullary nail. The external frame distracts the bone; once the target length is achieved, the fixator can be removed and the internal nail alone supports consolidation. This shortens fixator time vs. pure Ilizarov, reducing infection risk and improving comfort.
Schematic. Bone geometry and hardware placement are illustrative; consult your surgeon for procedure specifics.
At a glance
- Typical gain
- 5–8 cm
- Total recovery
- 16–28 weeks
- Distraction sites
- femur, tibia
- External hardware
- Yes
- Status
- Actively used
What this means for a patient
- ●Significantly lower implant cost than PRECICE
- ●Shorter external fixator time than classical Ilizarov
- ●Proven track record in high-volume centers (notably Turkey, India)
Trade-offs and risks
- ●External fixator during distraction (weeks) — pin site care required
- ●Pin site infection risk (manageable but real)
- ●Scarring from fixator sites
27 verified clinics offering LON
Paley Orthopedic & Spine Institute
Dr. Dror Paley, MD, FRCSC
Wanna Be Taller
Dr. Yunus Öç, MD, Assoc. Prof.
AFA Limb Lengthening
Dr. Mustafa Uysal, MD, Prof. Dr.
LiveLifeTaller
Dr. Halil Buldu, MD
Prof. Dr. Yuksel Yurttas Limb Lengthening Clinic
Dr. Yüksel Yurttaş, MD, Prof. Dr.
International Clinics
Dr. Humam Baki, MD
This page is editorial reporting, not medical advice. Every patient anatomy is different — technique selection requires in-person consultation with a qualified surgeon.