Limb Lengthening – Changing Lives, One Limb at a Time

Dr. Taylor Reif

Dr. Jason Hoellwarth

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Hospital for Special Surgery ranked #1 in US for orthopedics 14 years in a row by US News & World Report.

Our surgeons offer surgical treatments for the correction of upper and lower limb deformities, length discrepancies, and injuries in adults and children. We help individuals with orthopaedic problems due to trauma, birth defects, infections or bone tumors. We use the best tools available today including Precice® motorized magnetic lengthening and compression nails, automated hexapod external fixation, osseointegration limb reconstruction, patient specific anatomic plating, and more. These tools are combined with our surgeons’ expert surgical techniques to achieve the optimal results patients desire.

We perform arm and leg lengthening, limb malalignment correction, repair of bone non-unions, and treat hip, knee and ankle arthritis with distraction, fusion, or replacement. Along with limb length discrepancy, we correct genu valgum, commonly known as knock knee, and genu varum, or bowleg. We are experts at both limb salvage and amputation reconstruction. Whether patients are suffering from arthritis, genetic deformity, bone tumors, or the effects of a traumatic accident, the Limb Lengthening & Complex Reconstruction Service of Hospital for Special Surgery is ready to get them on the road to recovery and an improved quality of life.

Osseointegration Replacement Center

Improved Mobility
Better Proprioception
Reduced Nerve Pain

Knock Knee Condition

More Stability
Reduced Pain
Correcting Deformity

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, you did such an incredible job, along with your attentiveness to my concerns and needs, being available whenever I had a question.

Austin

Patient of Dr. Reif

“Two years ago, before I came to you, I could never have imagined being in the position I am in now. What you and your team have done for me is truly priceless.”

Jaqueline

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

I’m so proud that you are my physician, not only for your superb surgical skills, but also your charisma and compassion. You are honestly one of the most respectable and endearing persons in my life.

Jake

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“I feel incredibly straighter and moving like I’ve never moved before. I’m running finally and trying to get stronger. … Thank you so much and I am so glad I got to do this with you! You’ve changed my life.”

Kavi

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

It was not the collagen that helped Zachary.
It was you.
And it was him.
And somewhere in that whole powerful mix of skin and bones and skill and science, there was the heart.
And the hope.
And the will.
And I believe, there will never be the “won’t” or “can’t.”
With deepest gratitude from,
Just a mother who loves her son

Aviva,

Mother of Patient, Zachary

“I’m in Sedona this week and have done 30+ miles of hikes and climbs with hundreds of feet of elevation. I couldn’t have done this 1-2 years ago. Thank you for helping get me to this place!”

Sara

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“I know how much you love what you do. It is evident in the way that you have cared for Zachary. The way Zachary has improved under your care. Improved is certainly an understatement! You have performed miracles with him. And everyone around you has been part of the process.”

Zacharyt

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“I think of you everyday and I am so thankful to you. Because of you, Mark’s life has been changed forever. Again thank you so much for all you have done.”

Susan

Wife of Dr. Rozbruch Patient

“I just did a 10mile walk in support of the jimmy fund. I was worried about using my legs for such a long distance. But they were completely fine, and they exceeded my expectations! I can’t believe I’m almost back to normal (90-95% there). Overall, I wish I did this 20 years ago. Thanks again.”

Nadia

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“I just really want to thank you for providing information about the [genu valgum] condition and motivating people towards proper treatment. … thank you for making the videos on youtube and posting articles for patients to better understand the procedures. I really respect you and wish you the best for the future.”

Hrithik

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“We can’t thank you enough for the great care and treatment you gave Beck. You totally changed his life. What you do is so great.”

William

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“You all came together to help turn this situation from one of tragedy into one of an incredible and unlikely recovery. Words are wholly inadequate to describe the gratitude I feel. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. You are a team of miracle workers.”

Jessica

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“My ankle is feeling pretty great (like total absence of pain most days, what!!?) and I’m chasing my 7 y.o around our little ski hill. I am still working on my ROM and strength, but things are going really well. I’ll send some evidence of me skiing soon.. as long we don’t run out of snow!”

Julie

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

Our most heartfelt words will never be enough to express [our thanks}. You made Mordechai mobile; he is just full of happiness and a huge smile! Thanks for going out of your way an extra mile.

Mordechai

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“It amazes me that my knees don’t even creak and crack, let alone grind. But even more amazing to me is that my knees no longer knock! … After living with knock knees for 62 years, I am still adjusting to this new sensation.”

Karen

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“…you changed my life two and a half years ago with your tremendous gift and magic hands. You gave me back my life and the self-esteem I was born with. It’s incredible what the surgery has done for my life…You are indeed an angel and an asset to the medical profession.”

Denise

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

We are always grateful for helping us so much in our son’s recovery and so grateful that he will, thank G-d, be able to dance at his wedding!

Miriam

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

Good morning and Happy Fathers Day Gentlemen,
I just wanted to let you all know that we will be forever grateful. Wishing you a wonderful day from just one of the countless families that you have helped over the years. Thank you!

Ray

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

Thank you for making it possible to walk my daughter down the aisle !!! Was awesome! I am truly grateful!!! Bless all of you!

Steve

Patient of Dr. Rozbrucnh

Thank you for all your care, thoughtfulness and skill. Truly amazing to finally be able to say the L leg deformity I have lived with all my life has been addressed and is fixed. You have made a difference in my life!

Andy

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

I am beyond grateful! Staying on my own 2 feet and having my legs now be reliable means so much to me! Thank you for making surgery possible.

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

“I am SO GRATEFUL for the attention, the expertise, the HOURS that you all cleared for me to get me back to vertical. You are “The A Team.”

Russell

Patient of Dr. Rozbruch

You have given me my life back, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find the words to fully say how much that means to me, but thank you so much. After 20 years of pain every single day, I now feel the best I have ever felt.

Neel

Patient of Dr. Reif

“Dr. Reif, you are a ROCK STAR. We are SO grateful for you! what a fortuitous thing that I had a leg lengthening and you came into my life.”

Naomi

Patient of Dr. Reif

Watch, Read, Learn

Osteotomy to Repair Bowleg

Dr. Rozbruch discusses osteotomy to correct bowleg and medial compartment knee arthritis.

Dr. Reif with Bilateral Femur Protection Patient

“He was turned away by multiple other surgeons who said there was nothing wrong! See how much better his gait becomes after correction ??.”

Dr. Hoellwarth Helps Limb Trauma Patient

“I proposed compressing the fracture, and we were able to remove the frame five months later with the bone healed!”

Dr. Fragomen Presents at BLRS Conference

“My keynote talks at the British Limb Reconstruction Society Conference on nonu-union repair, rotation, knock knee, and bowlegs created lively discussions.”

We are on Instagram

Darryl now few years post tibia Osseointegration Limb Replacement Surgery doing so well. Big improvement in mobility. #osseointegrationlimbreplacement https://www.hss.edu/osseointegration-limb-replacement.asp #osseointegration #amputationsurgery #amputee #cyborgsworld @cyborgsworld #amputeelife #amputeestrong #amputation #osseointegrationUSA www.osseointegrationUSA.com #prostheticlimb #prostheticleg #prostheticsandorthotics #limbreplacementsurgery #limbreplacement #osseointegrationaustralia #osseointegrationswholift #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening

Open

Ken after #bowlegscorrection #bowleg#bowlegs with improved mobility and body image. Better knee future in store for him. #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening

Open

Thanks for the feedback! #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening

Open

This patient presented after a long bone transport with an odd fracture and draining wound below the transport. He was tired of treatment at this point and just wanted a good leg again. A CT showed the reason for fracture was a dead piece of bone.

I initially removed the dead bone, put antibiotic cement in the area and stabilized the leg with a frame. He had an old flap right over the area so plating was not a great option, and he failed masquelet bone grafting in past so was eager for other options. To fill the void and be able to close the flap we created a titanium mesh specific to his leg. I coated it in antibiotics and converted the frame to a nail. The surrounding bone will heal to the titanium with time. He is walking unassisted and happy to avoid another transport!

The last picture is of my lovely cat, bc why not!

#hssllcrs #hsslimblengthening #patientspecific #limbsalvage #tibia #bone #medical #titanium #bonedefect #ortho #orthopedic #surgery @almorthoinc #orthopaedic #3dprinting

Open

$This patient presented after a long bone transport with an odd fracture and draining wound below the transport. He was tired of treatment at this point and just wanted a good leg again. A CT showed the reason for fracture was a dead piece of bone. I initially removed the dead bone, put antibiotic cement in the area and stabilized the leg with a frame. He had an old flap right over the area so plating was not a great option, and he failed masquelet bone grafting in past so was eager for other options. To fill the void and be able to close the flap we created a titanium mesh specific to his leg. I coated it in antibiotics and converted the frame to a nail. The surrounding bone will heal to the titanium with time. He is walking unassisted and happy to avoid another transport! The last picture is of my lovely cat, bc why not! #hssllcrs #hsslimblengthening #patientspecific #limbsalvage #tibia #bone #medical #titanium #bonedefect #ortho #orthopedic #surgery @almorthoinc #orthopaedic #3dprinting$

New photos @taraleighstudios of our surgeon team! I feel fortunate to lead this amazing team and work with such awesome partners #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon @all4ortho #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening @reifmd @limbdeformity

Open

Chris thanks for sharing your continued accomplishments running marathons around the world after realignment of #bowlegs #bowlegsurgery #bowlegcorrection several years ago now. #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening

Open

Annmarie had a stubborn #kneecontracture I used gradual correction with a hexapod frame and her mobility has greatly improved #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening #taylorspatialframe

Open

Happy #paweek thanks for your great teamwork to care for our patients. Zac Edelman, Maxine Goyette, Bridget Ford, PA #physicianassistant #orthopedicphysicianassistant #Rozbruch #aaos #llrs #orthopedicsurgery #liveyourbestlife @all4ortho #orthopedicsurgeon #hospitalforspecialsurgery #limblengthening @hspecialsurgery @limbdeformity @reifmd #SRobertRozbruchMD www.limblengthening.com www.hss.edu/limblengthening www.hss.edu/LSARC #hssLLCRS #HSSlimbLengthening

Open

Osseointegration Replacement Center

Knock Knee Condition

I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, you did such an incredible job, along with your attentiveness to my concerns and needs, being available whenever I had a question.

“Two years ago, before I came to you, I could never have imagined being in the position I am in now. What you and your team have done for me is truly priceless.”

I’m so proud that you are my physician, not only for your superb surgical skills, but also your charisma and compassion. You are honestly one of the most respectable and endearing persons in my life.

“I feel incredibly straighter and moving like I’ve never moved before. I’m running finally and trying to get stronger. … Thank you so much and I am so glad I got to do this with you! You’ve changed my life.”

It was not the collagen that helped Zachary.
It was you.
And it was him.

And somewhere in that whole powerful mix of skin and bones and skill and science, there was the heart.
And the hope.
And the will.
And I believe, there will never be the “won’t” or “can’t.”

With deepest gratitude from,

Just a mother who loves her son

“I’m in Sedona this week and have done 30+ miles of hikes and climbs with hundreds of feet of elevation. I couldn’t have done this 1-2 years ago. Thank you for helping get me to this place!”

“I know how much you love what you do. It is evident in the way that you have cared for Zachary. The way Zachary has improved under your care. Improved is certainly an understatement! You have performed miracles with him. And everyone around you has been part of the process.”

“I think of you everyday and I am so thankful to you. Because of you, Mark’s life has been changed forever. Again thank you so much for all you have done.”

“We can’t thank you enough for the great care and treatment you gave Beck. You totally changed his life. What you do is so great.”

“You all came together to help turn this situation from one of tragedy into one of an incredible and unlikely recovery. Words are wholly inadequate to describe the gratitude I feel. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do. You are a team of miracle workers.”

“My ankle is feeling pretty great (like total absence of pain most days, what!!?) and I’m chasing my 7 y.o around our little ski hill. I am still working on my ROM and strength, but things are going really well. I’ll send some evidence of me skiing soon.. as long we don’t run out of snow!”

Our most heartfelt words will never be enough to express [our thanks}. You made Mordechai mobile; he is just full of happiness and a huge smile! Thanks for going out of your way an extra mile.

“It amazes me that my knees don’t even creak and crack, let alone grind. But even more amazing to me is that my knees no longer knock! … After living with knock knees for 62 years, I am still adjusting to this new sensation.”

“…you changed my life two and a half years ago with your tremendous gift and magic hands. You gave me back my life and the self-esteem I was born with. It’s incredible what the surgery has done for my life…You are indeed an angel and an asset to the medical profession.”

We are always grateful for helping us so much in our son’s recovery and so grateful that he will, thank G-d, be able to dance at his wedding!

Good morning and Happy Fathers Day Gentlemen,
I just wanted to let you all know that we will be forever grateful. Wishing you a wonderful day from just one of the countless families that you have helped over the years. Thank you!

Thank you for making it possible to walk my daughter down the aisle !!! Was awesome! I am truly grateful!!! Bless all of you!

Thank you for all your care, thoughtfulness and skill. Truly amazing to finally be able to say the L leg deformity I have lived with all my life has been addressed and is fixed. You have made a difference in my life!

I am beyond grateful! Staying on my own 2 feet and having my legs now be reliable means so much to me! Thank you for making surgery possible.

“I am SO GRATEFUL for the attention, the expertise, the HOURS that you all cleared for me to get me back to vertical. You are “The A Team.”

You have given me my life back, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to find the words to fully say how much that means to me, but thank you so much. After 20 years of pain every single day, I now feel the best I have ever felt.

“Dr. Reif, you are a ROCK STAR. We are SO grateful for you! what a fortuitous thing that I had a leg lengthening and you came into my life.”