Precice 2 and Fitbone: Internal Limb Lengthening Methods (No External Devices)

Q: Do Precice 2 and Fitbone reduce the risk of infection?

Yes. Unlike older methods where external pins create open wounds on the skin, the skin remains completely closed with internal systems. This theoretically reduces the risk of external infection to zero.

One of the biggest concerns for patients deciding on limb lengthening surgery is the metal devices, known as external fixators, that they would have to carry on the outside of their legs for months. Both aesthetic concerns and the desire for comfort have driven modern medicine to develop completely invisible systems.

At the Time to be Taller clinic, we bring the most advanced technologies offered by medicine to our patients. Thanks to fully internal (intramedullary) limb lengthening methods—where there is no device on the outside of the leg and the lengthening process is performed with a magnetic remote control—it is now possible to spend your recovery period with high privacy and maximum comfort.

What is a Fully Internal (Intramedullary) System?

In the classic Ilizarov method used in the past, the bone was lengthened with iron rings surrounding the outside of the leg. In internal systems, a special "motorized smart nail" (implant) made of titanium is placed directly into the hollow inner structure of the bone (femur or tibia).

After the surgery, your skin is completely closed, leaving no open wounds or external devices. The lengthening process is carried out precisely and painlessly using an External Remote Controller (ERC) that the patient holds over their leg a few times a day.

The Most Popular Internal Systems: Precice 2 and Fitbone

Two of the most successful, FDA-approved motorized nail systems with proven efficacy and safety worldwide are expertly applied in our clinic:

👉 Precice 2 Method: Developed by the US-based company NuVasive, it is the most preferred system globally. It provides highly stable and precise lengthening thanks to its superior magnetic gear structure.
👉 Fitbone Method: This is a German-engineered technology operating with a specialized motorized system. It is one of Europe's gold standards, safely used especially for patients whose leg anatomy may not be suitable for the Precice nail.

What Are the Advantages of Internal Lengthening Methods?

We can summarize how the process differs for our patients who choose these methods in our clinic with the following key points:

Zero Pin-Tract Infection: Because there are no metal pins extending from the outside into the bone, there is no open tract in the skin. This minimizes the risk of infection.
High Privacy: When you wear loose trousers or sweatpants, no one from the outside can notice that you have had limb lengthening surgery. You can keep the process entirely to yourself.
Painless Distraction: Bone lengthening sessions are completely painless with the magnetic remote control. There is no stress from manual screw turning.
Sleep and Clothing Comfort: Since there is no external apparatus on the leg, you can sleep comfortably in any position and dress easily.
Ease in Physical Therapy: The absence of an external device allows for much more comfortable exercises during physiotherapy sessions aimed at strengthening muscles and maintaining joint range of motion.

Expert's Note: Internal systems involve high technology and require flawless surgical planning. Your budget and bone structure (e.g., canal width) determine which method you are suitable for. You should definitely consult a specialist physician before making a decision without X-rays and medical evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Methods

Is internal limb lengthening surgery visible from the outside? +

No, in the Precice 2 and Fitbone methods, the entire mechanism is placed inside the bone. There is no external metal device (fixator) on your leg, making the surgery completely unnoticeable from the outside.

Is the lengthening process painful with magnetic nails? +

The lengthening process is performed magnetically from the outside with a remote control (ERC). You do not feel pain during this process; there may only be a slight feeling of tension over time due to the stretching of the muscles.

Do Precice 2 and Fitbone reduce the risk of infection? +

Yes. Unlike methods like LON (Combined) where external pins create open wounds on the skin, the skin remains completely closed with internal systems after surgery. This theoretically reduces the risk of external superficial infection to zero.