How does this method work?

During the 1st stage of the surgery, an intramedullary nail is inserted and embedded into the bone and an external fixator device is attached to the leg from the outside. Soon after, the lengthening period begins and the intramedullary nail helps in preventing any angular deformity, during this phase. Once the lengthening phase has been completed, the external fixator can be removed with the completion of the internal fixation (screw insertion). This method was a groundbreaking development compared to the original methodology which only involved the use of an external fixator. Even today, this methodology is used worldwide by most limb lengthening surgeons.