UK First Leg-Lengthening Surgery

Ekpe Phillips, a nine-year-old boy, became the first child in the United Kingdom to undergo a pioneering leg-lengthening surgery for fibular hemimelia at Boston Children s Hospital. The procedure involved implanting a motorized telescopic nail on the surface of his thigh bone, which was slowly pulled apart using magnets to help him gain 3cm. This new method, developed in the United States, offers a less painful and more effective alternative to traditional external fixators, which were previously the only option for children. Nick Peterson, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Boston Children s Hospital, introduced this technique in the United Kingdom. Ekpe Phillips's recovery has been described as 'remarkable,' paving the way for this technique to be adopted by other hospitals across the United Kingdom. The success of this surgery has significantly improved Ekpe Phillips's quality of life, allowing him to run and play basketball normally.