Height-boosting surgery that involves breaking leg bones leaves 2 disabled in China

The height-enhancing surgery that involves breaking leg bones. (Representational)

A contentious height-enhancing surgery that involves breaking leg bones has ignited a storm of criticism in China, following revelations from patients who now regret their decisions with some claiming they have been left disabled from the procedure.

Earlier this month, local TV reported the experience of a woman from Jiangsu province, who spent a staggering 600,000 yuan (approximately Rs 70 lakh) to undergo the surgery abroad. Her goal was to add 5 inches to her height. Instead of the anticipated relief, she was met with a series of debilitating physical issues.

The procedure left her battling a bone infection, unable to run or even walk quickly, and struggling with breathing difficulties. "My life has been totally ruined. If there was an operation to reverse this, I would have it at once," she lamented.

Similarly, a 29-year-old man from Henan province, who had the surgery within China at a public hospital, shared his own tragic outcome. The operation, which cost him over 100,000 yuan (approximately Rs 12 lakh), was supposed to alleviate his feelings of inferiority due to his 5'4" height. Instead, he ended up with legs of different lengths and minimal height gain.

"I am not much taller than before. What's more, I am now disabled," he said, expressing his deep regret.

Medical experts warn that the limb extension surgery involves breaking the bones in the legs, separating them, and then using an external metal device to gradually stretch the bones as they heal. The procedure, though technically possible, is fraught with risks, especially when done for cosmetic reasons.

In China, the Ministry of Health has strictly regulated such procedures since 2006. According to the regulations, limb-extension surgery is only permitted for patients with congenital deformities or those with uneven limb lengths due to injury, tumour, or infection.

The procedure is explicitly banned as a cosmetic enhancement. However, despite these restrictions, some individuals are still opting for the surgery, either domestically or by traveling abroad, often with disastrous results.

In 2022, a 19-year-old woman gained 2.3 inches in height following the surgery. Eventually, she was left unable to stand due to severe knee and ankle joint complications.

Last year, an American man resorted to height lengthening surgery to increase his height by five inches after being ridiculed for his short frame for years. Moses Gibson, a 41-year-old man from Minneapolis, Minnesota also took the extreme step to have a better dating life and after the surgery, he even found a girlfriend.