Register an interest in this interventional procedure

People can have different length legs from birth, or because of disease or injury. In this procedure, under general anaesthesia, a bone in the shorter leg is cut surgically and a metal lengthening device (distractor) is put inside the bone (intramedullary) across the cut bone. It may be done to a bone in the upper or lower leg. After the operation, the device is gradually lengthened while new bone forms across the cut, so increasing the length of the bone. There are different techniques used to lengthen the distractor depending on the device used. The process of lengthening and healing takes several months, during which partial weight bearing is possible. The main aim is to lengthen the leg and reduce disability.

How to comment

You should read both the consultation document and the accompanying evidence (see the committee papers) before making any comments.

We have a new way of making comments on this consultation. You must make your comments directly onto the online version of the consultation document. When you go into the document you will find instructions on how to use the new commenting software. You can also review and edit your comments before you submit them.

You can download a PDF version of the consultation document, but you can only make comments on the online version.

Consultation document

Supporting documents

Closing date for comments: 18 November 2021, 5pm

 

About the consultation

We have asked some questions about the consultation that we would like you to answer. You will be able to see the questions when you go into the online consultation document.

We would also like you to think about whether there are any aspects of the recommendations that need particular consideration to make sure we avoid unlawful discrimination against any group of people. For example, on the grounds of:

  • race
  • gender
  • disability
  • religion or belief
  • sexual orientation
  • age
  • gender reassignment
  • pregnancy and maternity.

Note that this document is not NICE's final guidance on this procedure. The recommendations in section 1 may change after consultation.

After the consultation has closed the Interventional Procedures committee will meet again to consider the responses received and prepare the final appraisal document. Find out more