What PRECICE 2 and LON nails mean for you
The implant used in height-lengthening surgery is one of the essential surgical components that helps lengthen the bone in a controlled manner. PRECICE 2 is known as a motorized intramedullary nail that can be lengthened internally using a magnetic external remote control; LON refers to the nail system used in the “Lengthening Over Nail” approach, which provides support inside the bone after gradual lengthening with an external fixator.
These two options are not products in the same category. The suitability of PRECICE 2 is assessed based on bone diameter, the planned amount of lengthening, the anatomical region, the magnetic lengthening mechanism, and current product availability. The brand, alloy, diameter, length, and manufacturer documentation of the nail used in the LON approach must also be verified separately; the term “LON titanium nail” alone does not indicate a specific brand or warranty.
During the initial consultation, the target number of centimeters, the femur or tibia, the lengthening rate, the rehabilitation plan, and the possibility of a subsequent removal surgery are considered together. Individual medical suitability can only be determined after reviewing radiographs, conducting a physical examination, and receiving the surgeon’s assessment.
How to check safety documentation for PRECICE and LON in Turkey
Key elements to look for in the documentation trail
It is important to plan the surgery at a healthcare facility that holds a Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye and can explain its relevant surgical infrastructure. This authorization does not automatically guarantee the implant; it shows that the healthcare provider is authorized to conduct health tourism activities.
- Manufacturer and model: Obtain the nail’s exact commercial name, manufacturer, model code, dimensions, and production batch in writing.
- Certificate of conformity: The product’s status under European Union legislation, its valid CE marking, or the declaration of conformity applicable to the relevant period should be verified through official documentation.
- Product registration in Turkey: Ask the healthcare facility how the product’s medical device registration and traceability information in Turkey is maintained.
- Serial or lot number: The same number should appear on the implant card and in the surgical report after the operation.
- Instructions for use: Request the current manufacturer’s instructions supplied with the implant, including information on use, magnetic lengthening, safety distances, and MRI conditions.
- Implant card: It should include the model, serial number, date of implantation, manufacturer, and healthcare facility information.
The experience of Turkish orthopedic teams in height-lengthening surgery should be assessed not only by the number of operations performed, but also by how the PRECICE lengthening protocol, LON nail–fixator coordination, preservation of joint range of motion, rehabilitation, and complication management are structured. Asking the surgeon for anonymized process data from similar femur or tibia cases, complication rates, and the follow-up protocol provides a more meaningful basis for comparison.
A quality certificate is not the same as a warranty certificate
CE marking or a declaration of conformity shows that the device meets the safety and performance requirements under the applicable regulations. It does not guarantee that the surgery will be complication-free, that the target height will be achieved, that bone healing will be completed within a specific period, or that additional surgery will not be required.
The manufacturer’s warranty may generally be limited to manufacturing or material defects. Improper use, lengthening contrary to the instructions for use, trauma, infection, nonunion, mechanical loading, leaving the device in place longer than planned, or clinical outcomes may be excluded from warranty coverage. Therefore, instead of relying on verbal statements such as “lifetime warranty,” request a signed document specifying the model, coverage, duration, exclusions, application procedure, and which party will cover the costs.
Documentation and companion planning for a height-lengthening surgery package
As part of the organization, logistical assistance may be planned for airport-to-hotel or airport-to-hospital VIP transfers, accommodation, interpreter support, and the initial care or prescription process. The scope of these services, hotel standard, transfer dates, and additional fees should be clearly stated in the contract.
Before this surgery, full-length leg X-rays, bone-length measurements, blood tests, an anesthesia assessment, and, where necessary, vascular and nerve evaluations are planned. The length of stay in Turkey varies according to the surgical approach and bone region; planning a long flight may not be appropriate before the initial lengthening period, wound checks, and physical therapy assessments have been completed.
Whether your companion can stay with you in the hospital, the rules for single or double rooms, and overnight support should be confirmed in writing in advance. A hotel close to the hospital makes it easier for your companion to spend time nearby during your recovery through quiet park walks, wellness facilities, or low-intensity cultural activities without moving far from the hospital; however, your postoperative weight-bearing and transfer restrictions will determine what is feasible.
After discharge, online follow-up may include sharing wound photographs through a secure channel, reviewing X-rays, checking the lengthening protocol, and coordinating with the physical therapy team. Before traveling, document which healthcare facility you should contact in an emergency after returning home and during which hours the team in Turkey will be available.
Height-lengthening surgery costs in Turkey and international comparison
The price varies according to implant availability, whether one or two bone regions are treated, the scope of surgery, hospital stay, physical therapy, possible implant removal, and the follow-up period. The ranges below are approximate market indications; the current supply status of PRECICE 2 and the product’s legal availability for use in Turkey should be verified separately.
| Country | Approximate total range | Currency | Items that usually need clarification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | €55,000–€100,000 | EUR | Implant, surgery, hospital care, initial physical therapy, and follow-up coverage |
| United Kingdom | £70,000–£130,000 | GBP | Private hospital, implant supply, rehabilitation, and removal surgery |
| Germany | €80,000–€140,000 | EUR | Implant model, surgeon, hospital stay, and rehabilitation period |
| United States | $100,000–$180,000 | USD | Hospital, surgeon, anesthesia, insurance, and implant supply |
It is not sufficient for the quotation to state only “height-lengthening package.” The actual model code to be used for PRECICE 2 or LON, confirmation that the implant is new and original, the party responsible for warranty claims, physical therapy sessions, follow-up X-rays, the approach to revision in the event of complications, and whether implant removal surgery is included in the price should be shown as separate line items.
Criteria that affect the price and process when choosing PRECICE 2 or LON
- Surgeon’s expertise and experience: Regular experience with femur and tibia lengthening, motorized nail protocols, or the LON technique directly affects planning, nail placement, preservation of joint movement, and complication follow-up.
- Technology, method, and materials: A motorized magnetic PRECICE 2 nail is not the same as the intramedullary nail–external fixator combination used in the LON approach. The nail’s titanium alloy, diameter, length, locking screws, magnetic lengthening unit, and MRI compatibility should be checked against the manufacturer’s documentation.
- Clinic location: Hospital access in Istanbul, Ankara, or another city, transportation to an international airport, proximity to a rehabilitation center, companion accommodation, and access to emergency orthopedic services when needed may affect the total cost.
Current product status is particularly important for PRECICE 2. Because periodic market withdrawals, safety notices, or regional supply changes may occur for some PRECICE products, the current manufacturer documentation, serial number, and availability status of the product held by the clinic should be verified before surgery.
Three specific questions to ask after completing your documentation file- Will the manufacturer, model code, serial number, current conformity documentation, and implant card for this PRECICE 2 nail be provided together in the surgical report?
- Which document specifies the alloy, dimensions, manufacturer’s instructions, and compatibility with the external fixator for the titanium nail to be used in the LON technique?
- How are the manufacturer’s warranty and the clinic’s written responsibilities distinguished in cases of manufacturing defects, device failure, infection, nonunion, or revision surgery?
Compare the answers to these three questions with the quotation, informed consent form, implant card, and surgical contract. If there are inconsistencies in the documents, only verbal assurances, or an unclear model name, obtaining a second opinion from an independent orthopedic specialist before signing is a prudent step.