South Korea's Best in

Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction

World class surgeon & team with latest techniques for the best patient results.

South Korea's Best in

Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction

World class surgeon & team with latest techniques for the best patient results.

About Dr. Donghoon Lee

Director of the eponymous Donghoon Advanced Lengthening Reconstruction Institute (DARLI), Seongnam, South Korea, Dr Lee is a former associate professor in the departments of limb

lengthening and reconstruction at both CHA Bundang and Yonsei University Severance Hospitals. A world leader in limb lengthening and deformity correction, and pediatric sports injury correction

and rehabilitation, Dr Lee was the first surgeon in Asia to implant the NuVasive PRECICE/STRYDE nail, and has developed novel surgical techniques to improve patient outcomes using BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate) and others related to the LON and LATN methods. His expertise, and his dedication to achieving best possible outcomes for his patients, has resulted in a 0% long-term surgical complication rate.

Dr Lee is the recipient of a number of grand prizes from a variety of learned institutions, including ILLRS, LLRS and the Gerhard Küntscher Society.

His specialisms include:

 Knee deformities

 Limb length discrepancy correction

 Congenital deformity correction

 Limb reconstruction

Medical Degree: Yonsei University - Seoul, South Korea

Residency: Yonsei University - Seoul, South Korea

Fellowships: Advanced Trauma & Limb Lengthening Courses at Paley Institute and International Center for Limb Lengthening.

Research: Limb Lengthening Nails

Accomplishments: Host of the Visiting Surgeon Program. International Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society four-time grand-prize winner.

Experience Level: Very High. 20 years of limb lengthening and complex deformity correction.

Hobbies: In his spare time, _______

My Clinic

Donghoon Advanced Limb Reconstruction Institute (DALRI) - Seoul, South Korea

Top choice in Asia for patients seeking the best limb lengthening and deformity correction experience.

Dr. Lee's motto is "Achieve Your Dreams" showing that regardless what condition you have you can get it treated at DALRI.

World class hospital and rehab facility over 330m in length with all treatment modalities including hydrotherapy, alter G treadmill, massage tables and more!

World class physiotherapy team to ensure the best rehabilitation after limb lengthening.

Offers virtual consultations for deformities, discrepancies and limb lengthening patients prior to in-person consultation and surgery booking.

Our Services

CHOOSE YOUR TREATMENT

Limb Length Discrepancy (LLD)

Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a difference between the lengths of two limbs such as the legs or arms. Acquired LLD usually develops gradually over time from a traumatic. Oftentimes, patients will visibly notice or feel their LLD as it can cause discomfort and can be a result of an injury, infection, arthritis, illness, or tumor.

Deformity Reconstruction

An acquired deformity or defect is a change in the normal shape or size of a body part. These kinds of deformities usually happen gradually over longer periods of time. Any bone of the body can be affected, as an acquired deformity can be a result of an injury, infection, arthritis, illness, or tumor which is a small scope of what Dr. Lee treats.

Lengthening Surgery Process

1. Virtual Consultation

Ensure you know all of the details and are ready to follow through with every aspect of the limb lengthening process.

2. In-Person Consultation

We will take X-rays, and assess pre-surgery proportions and muscle tension to determine if the patient is a good candidate. It's highly recommended that the patient make arrangements to temporarily relocate to Seoul, South Korea to stay local for the lengthening phase.

3. Surgery Day

The internal lengthening nail will be implanted in either the patient's femurs or the tibias. After surgery patients typically stay in the hospital for approximately 2 nights, before returning home. We have local accommodations for patients post-surgery to ensure the smoothest lengthening process.

4. Lengthening Phase

Approximately one week after surgery, the lengthening phase begins. Patients will typically lengthen the bones .75-1mm per day and could take 12 weeks to achieve 8cm in length. During this process, the patient will come in for bi-weekly check-ups to ensure mitigation of complications.

5. Physical Therapy

While in Seoul, patients will undergo physical therapy with our recommended physical therapist. In addition, at home, patients will be required to perform their own exercises 3 times per day to continue the stretching and rehabilitation process.

6. Consolidation Phase

The "bone healing" or consolidation phase takes place once patients have achieved the maximum length. At this time, they can return home to perform monthly X-Rays and virtual follow up visits. These visits will determine how well the bone is healing and whether or not patients can continue to increase their activity.

7. Device (Nail) Removal

Approximately one year after the initial surgery - and if the bone is completely healed - we will remove the lengthening nails from the patient's bones. Removal of the nails is a minor procedure. It may require one night stay and then the next day the patient can return home.