Limb lengthening surgery in Turkey

Professor Levent Eralp is one of Turkey’s best-known orthopedic and trauma surgeons specializing in limb reconstruction using the Ilizarov method.

This field involves bone lengthening and straightening for congenital and acquired deformities, as well as the treatment of complex non-united fractures and chronic bone infections.

Specialization

Orthopedics, traumatology, and orthopedic oncology.

Main areas of specialization:

• treatment of bone and soft tissue tumors;
• limb-sparing surgery for bone tumors;
• reconstructive limb surgery using the Ilizarov method;
• limb lengthening and correction of arm and leg deformities;
• treatment of complex fractures, non-unions, and bone infections;
• hip and knee joint replacement;
• revision arthroplasty (replacement of previously placed prostheses);
• surgery of the pelvic bones and complex orthopedic deformities;
• treatment of musculoskeletal trauma sequelae;
• operations using customized orthopedic implants.

Education

• 1985–1991 — Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University — higher medical education
• 1991–1995 — Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University — residency in orthopedics and traumatology
• 1996 — obtained specialization in orthopedics and traumatology
• 1997 — Holzminden State Hospital (Germany) — fellowship in joint replacement
• 2001 — Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University — master’s degree in epidemiology and biostatistics
• 2003 — Kanazawa University Hospital (Japan) — fellowship in orthopedic oncology under the SICOT program
• 2003–2008 — Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University — associate professor
• 2004 — Resurgens Orthopedics (Atlanta, USA) — fellowship in the treatment of bone and joint infections
• 2009–2018 — Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University — Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology
• 2020 — Wishbone Orthopedics (USA) — advanced training program

Clinical experience

• 1991–2018 — Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology — progressed from resident to professor
• 2016–2021 — American Hospital in Istanbul and Koç University School of Medicine
• 2021 – present — private practice Eralp and Eralp
• 2023 – present — Acıbadem hospital network, Acıbadem Maslak Hospital, Department of Orthopedics and Limb Reconstruction

Scientific activity

• Co-editor of the Springer book “Basic Techniques for Extremity Reconstruction: External Fixator Applications According to Ilizarov Principles” (2018).
• Author and co-author of scientific works on limb lengthening, deformity correction, treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, reconstructive surgery, and treatment of chronic osteomyelitis.
• Has more than 60 publications in international peer-reviewed medical journals.

Membership in associations

• International Society of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology (SICOT)
• International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS)
• Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (TOTBID)
• Brazilian ASAMI Society — honorary member
• Turkish ASAMI Society
• Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society (LLRS)

Achievements and awards

• Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Istanbul University (2009)
• Fellow of the international SICOT program in orthopedic oncology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Japan — 2003
• Honorary member of the Brazilian ASAMI Association for the Ilizarov method and limb reconstruction
• Author and co-author of 60 scientific publications and book chapters. Has more than 4,000 scientific citations in international academic databases
• Participant in international research on limb-sparing surgery for bone tumors
• Member of the international professional societies SICOT, ISOLS, and LLRS

Assoc. Prof. Tahir Öztürk is an orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist at Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul. He treats sports injuries and knee, shoulder and hip problems, performs joint replacement, and carries out limb lengthening and deformity correction surgery. This combination means a patient can see one specialist both for a recent injury and for the consequences of old ones.

Keyhole surgery: arthroscopy

The doctor performs many joint procedures arthroscopically, through small incisions using a camera and miniature instruments:

• cruciate ligament reconstruction, including multiligament knee injuries;
• meniscus repair — a technique that preserves the meniscus instead of removing its damaged part;
• rotator cuff repair and Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder dislocations;
• hip arthroscopy for impingement syndrome and labral tears.

Limb lengthening: what you should know

Dr. Öztürk is the author of the article on height-increasing surgery on the official Memorial website. He uses four techniques: the Ilizarov frame, the intramedullary magnetic nail, the Holyfix method and LON, which combines an external fixator with an internal nail. According to him:

• the femur is lengthened by 6–8 cm and the tibia by 5–7 cm; combined, usually by 12–15 cm;
• the bone is lengthened gradually, about 1 mm per day;
• surgery takes 3–5 hours, and the average hospital stay is 3–7 days;
• full recovery takes from 6 months to 1.5 years;
• the surgery is suitable for adults, usually aged 18–50, with completed bone growth and normal bone density;
• contraindications include osteoporosis, severe circulatory and blood clotting disorders, and active or chronic infections.

How else the doctor can help

The doctor performs hip and knee replacement for osteoarthritis and treats hallux valgus as well as hand and wrist conditions. He has completed training in microsurgery and hand surgery, the Ilizarov method, arthroscopy of the knee, shoulder, foot and ankle, and AOTrauma courses in fracture treatment. Surgery is not always necessary: his practice also includes conservative treatment.

Submit a request on the Experts Medical website to get a consultation with Assoc. Prof. Tahir Öztürk or to arrange treatment in Istanbul. Our physician coordinators will review your medical documents and scans, forward them to the doctor, schedule your appointment, calculate a preliminary cost and support you throughout your trip and treatment.

Specialization

• Arthroscopic surgical approaches (shoulder, knee, ankle and hip).
• Upper extremity surgery (hand surgery and hand trauma).
• Arthroplasty (endoprosthetics of the knee, hip and shoulder).
• Traumatology (complex fractures, pelvic and acetabular surgery).
• Modern approaches to cartilage tissue treatment (PRP, stem cells).

Education

• Selcuk University, Faculty of Medicine.

Postgraduate education and courses:

• Specialization in İzmir Katıb Çelebi University, Clinic of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Clinical experience

• 2003-2008: Şırnak State Hospital (compulsory service).
• 2008-2015: Gaziosmanpaş University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology.
• Since 2015: Halic University, Faculty of Medicine, Avcılar Hastanesi.

Scientific activities and publications

• Publications: Tahir Ozturk has been actively published in journals from 2016 to 2023.

Main research topics:

1. Orthopedic surgery and traumatology:

• Treatment of fractures of different localization (humerus, femur, distal radius).
• Use of fixation structures (intramedullary pins, plates and screws).
• The use of bone grafts to repair joint defects.

2. Arthroscopic surgery:

• Treatment of shoulder rotator cuff tendon tears.
• Comparison of open and arthroscopic surgical techniques.
• Studies on the efficacy of drainage in arthroscopy.

3. Orthopedic diseases of children:

• Treatment of fractures in childhood (Monteggia, Doyle).
• A study of the effects of residual deformities after trauma.
• Diagnosis and treatment of rare injuries (e.g., goalie elbow).

4. Traumatology:

• Comprehensive treatment of complex fractures (hips, humerus).
• Study of mortality factors in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

5. Hand and wrist surgery:

• Tendon injuries (e.g., wrist extensor tendon instability).
• Treatment of hydatid cysts and pseudarthroses.
• Application of interfragmentary pinning in hand surgery.

6. Innovative methods of treatment:

• Use of PRP (plasma therapy) and stem cells to treat cartilage defects.
• Development of biological membranes and matrices for cartilage repair.

7. Sports Medicine:

• Treatment of tendon and ligament tears.
• Rehabilitation after injuries related to physical activity.

Membership in professional organizations

• TOTBİD (Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Association).
• TUSYAD (Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy and Orthopedics Association of Turkey).
• KECD (Club for Endoprosthetics and Joint Surgery).

Achievements and awards

• Doctor of Medical Sciences.
• Participation in international and national medical conferences.
• Author of more than 20 publications in the field of orthopedics and traumatology.
• Active member of professional societies (TOTBİD, TUSYAD, KECD).

Specialization

• Dr. Salih Marangoz’s specialty includes the treatment of children with various orthopedic problems such as clubfoot, hip dysplasia, cerebral palsy, fibular hemimelia, spina bifida and Perthes disease.
• He also performs deformity correction and limb lengthening surgeries using the Ilizarov external fixator and Precice magnetically controlled nails.
• He treats fractures in children and adults, and is also involved in general orthopedics for adults and the diagnosis and treatment of common orthopedic conditions.

Education

• In 2015, he received a diploma from the European Board of Orthopedics and Traumatology (EBOT), (FEBOT).
• In 2012, he received the certificate of Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University.
• In 2010, he received a diploma from the Turkish Board of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Clinical experience

• From 2009 to 2014, he worked at Hacettepe University Hospitals and Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine.
• From 2014 to 2017, he worked at Koch University Hospital, American Hospital and Koch University Faculty of Medicine.
• In 2017, he worked at Memorial Sisli Hospital.
• In 2018, he started working at Acibadem Health Group.

Scientific publications

He has authored more than 30 scientific publications.

• Citation (WoS): 161
• Citation (Scopus): 190

Membership in professional organizations

• Association of Pediatric Orthopaedics;
• Association for the development of the application of limb reconstruction and Ilizarov ASAMI Turk;
• Turkish Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology;
• Society for Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction, United States of America;
• European Pediatric Orthopaedic Society;
• Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.

Achievements and awards

• Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences.
• Diploma of the European Board of Orthopedics and Traumatology (EBOT).
• Author of more than 30 scientific publications.

Prof. Sami Sokucu is an orthopedic traumatologist who treats complex bone and joint injuries, limb deformities, and hip and knee disorders. He sees patients at Medical Park Florya and Medical Park Göztepe hospitals in Istanbul. The doctor combines surgical practice with teaching and research at Istanbul Aydin University.

Conditions treated by Prof. Sami Sokucu

• complex and multiple fractures, malunions, and nonunions;
• congenital and acquired deformities and leg-length discrepancy;
• osteoarthritis of the hip and knee;
• flat feet and other deformities of the foot and ankle;
• osteochondral lesions and benign bone tumors.

In his practice, the professor uses reconstructive orthopedic techniques, external fixation, computer-assisted navigation, and 3D imaging. He performs primary and revision joint replacement, procedures to correct limb alignment and length, and surgery for complex fractures and articular cartilage injuries.

Before treatment, Prof. Sokucu evaluates not only imaging findings but also pain severity, range-of-motion limitations, the limb’s weight-bearing function, and the patient’s everyday needs. This approach helps determine whether surgery is necessary, select the appropriate correction method, and discuss the stages of postoperative recovery in advance. Treatment planning takes into account the patient’s age, general health, level of physical activity, and personal goals.

Why patients choose Prof. Sami Sokucu

• more than 15 years of clinical practice after completing specialist training;
• experience in complex trauma and reconstructive surgery;
• EBOT qualification and service on the EBOT examination committee.

If you are considering treatment with Prof. Sami Sokucu in Turkey, submit a request on this page. An Experts Medical physician coordinator will help prepare your documents for a preliminary review, obtain the professor’s opinion, and clarify the treatment plan, timeline, and cost. The team will arrange your hospital appointment, document translation, transfers, and interpreter support, and will help you stay in touch with the doctor after you return home.

Specialization

• Trauma surgery: treatment of complex fractures, multiple injuries, pelvic trauma, malunions, and nonunions.
• Correction of congenital and acquired limb deformities, treatment of leg-length discrepancy, and limb lengthening using the Ilizarov method.
• Hip and knee replacement, including primary and revision arthroplasty.
• Treatment of hip and knee osteoarthritis.
• Foot and ankle surgery: flat feet, planovalgus deformity, and other deformities.
• Reconstructive bone surgery and treatment of osteochondral joint lesions.
• Treatment of benign bone tumors, including radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma.
• Use of external fixation, computer-assisted navigation, and 3D imaging in orthopedic surgery.

Education

• 1997–2003 — Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, medical degree
• 2004–2010 — specialist training in orthopedics and traumatology, Taksim Training and Research Hospital, Turkish Ministry of Health

Clinical Experience

• 2010–2012 — orthopedic and traumatology specialist, Metin Sabanci Istanbul Bone and Joint Diseases Training and Research Hospital
• 2012–2017 — orthopedic and traumatology specialist at the same hospital
• Since 2017 — faculty member and physician in the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology at Istanbul Aydin University and VM Medical Park Florya
• Also sees patients at Medical Park Goztepe

Research and Academic Work

Prof. Sami Sokucu conducts clinical and academic work in orthopedics and traumatology. His main professional interests include trauma surgery, correction of deformities and limb-length discrepancy, and hip and knee arthroplasty.

Professional Memberships

• Turkish Medical Association, Istanbul Branch — member since 2005
• Turkish Association of Orthopedics and Traumatology (TOTDER) — member since 2005
• Turkish Society of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (TOTBID) — member since 2007
• Turkish Orthopedics and Traumatology Education Council (TOTEK) — member since 2010
• Orthopedic Trauma Section — member since 2011
• Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Association — member since 2014
• European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EBOT) — member since 2014

Achievements and Awards

• Professor of Orthopedics and Traumatology; combines clinical practice with teaching and academic work at Istanbul Aydin University
• Qualified by the European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EBOT) since 2014; serves on the EBOT examination committee
• Author of 52 scientific publications; his research has been cited 525 times
• Member of 7 Turkish and European professional organizations in orthopedics, traumatology, and arthroplasty