South Africa's Solution in

Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction

Top notch Healthcare, Experience & Innovation

South Africa's Solution in

Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction

Top notch Healthcare, Experience & Innovation

About Dr. Franz Birkholtz

With over 20 years of experience specializing in correcting leg length discrepancies and complex deformities he also helps boost the height of his patients seeking cosmetic stature lengthening. With a passion for “technology that that transforms” his patients’ problems into happiness by combining world class surgical skill, state-of-the-art technology and the best patient care. With a heart of gold, Dr. Birkholtz treats each patient as a unique case and partners with them to help them enjoy a life beyond their previous expectations.

Medical Degree: University of Pretoria

Residency: University of Pretoria

Fellowships: College of Orthopedic Surgeons in South Africa

Research: Functional and psychological outcomes of delayed lower limb amputation following failed lower limb reconstruction

Accomplishments: Extraordinary lecturer via at both University of Pretoria and Stellenbosch University

Experience Level: High. 20+ years. Very passionate about innovation in healthcare and advancing life changing technology.

Hobbies: In his spare time, Dr. Birkholtz enjoys spending time with his friends & family.

Dr. Birkholtz Intro Video

Click Below to Play Video

My Clinic

Institute of Orthopedics & Rheumatology (IOR)

Dr. Birkholtz is based at Mediclinic Winelands Orthopedic Hospital in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This specialized Institute is dedicated to the care of patients with Musculo-skeletal conditions at the highest level. Not just a multi-specialty hospital, rather one that is focused on world-class advanced orthopedics.

Uses the latest advances in pre-operative planning

State-of-the-art internal lengthening nails and computer based external fixators for advanced lengthening & deformity fixes

Putting the "care" back into Healthcare by really caring for the patient's overall wellbeing.

Patients worldwide come to IOR for treatment

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

Our Services

CHOOSE YOUR TREATMENT

Cosmetic Stature Lengthening

Stature lengthening - also known as cosmetic limb lengthening - is surgery to enhance one's height via leg lengthening surgery, during which both legs are lengthened at the same time. Dr. Birkholtz is highly experienced in this procedure and has a top-notch team in place to support the patient through the lengthening process.

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 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 Dr. Birkholtz also treats regularly in his practice.

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 Stellenbosch, South Africa 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 1 night, before returning to the rehab ward for 2 weeks where all food, physio are included for that timeframe. Then after 2 weeks, 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 Stellenbosch, 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 for monitoring and then the next day the patient can return home. But we also have other options for patients who desire more follow-up care.

8. Enjoy Your Results!

Stature lengthening provides favorable height gain, increased confidence and functional outcomes, with low rates of major complications.

How much a patient lengthens depends on what their body can tolerate safely with most patients achieving their desired lengthening goals.

Surgery Pricing List

*These are the prices for Cosmetic Stature Lengthening.

Please contact us for pricing for all other procedures.

All-Inclusive Stature Lengthening Option

Option 1:

Femurs (bilateral)

$62,500

US Dollars

Pre-Op Virtual Zoom & In Person Consultation
All Surgical Fees included
Lengthening nails for both femurs
Anesthesia
Surgery
Prophylactic Releases
- IT Band Release
Full length hospital stay
3-Months Included for...
- Rehab facility Stay
- Meals
- Housing
- Daily care
- Physiotherapy
All medication for 4 weeks - pain usually drops
All bi-weekly follow-up (8) visits with Dr. Birkholtz
Mobility devices: crutches, walker, wheelchair
Transfer from Airport via Hospital Driver

Option 2:

tibias (bilateral)

$65,000

US Dollars

Pre-Op Virtual Zoom & In Person Consultation
All Surgical Fees included
Lengthening nails for both tibias
Anesthesia
Surgery
Full length hospital stay
3-Months Included for...
- Rehab facility Stay
- Meals
- Housing
- Daily care
- Physiotherapy
All medication for 4 weeks - pain usually drops
All bi-weekly follow-up (8) visits with Dr. Birkholtz
Mobility devices: crutches, walker, wheelchair
Transfer from Airport via Hospital Driver

Option 3:

Femurs + tibias (Quadrilateral)

$150,000

US Dollars

Pre-Op Virtual Zoom & In Person Consultation
All Surgical Fees included
Femur surgery & Tibia surgery is spread 4 to 6 months apart for optimal outcome
Lengthening nails for both femurs & both tibias
Anesthesia
Surgery
Prophylactic Soft-Tissue Releases
- IT Band Release
Full length hospital stay
9-Months Included for...
- Rehab facility Stay
- Meals
- Housing
- Daily care
- Physiotherapy
All medication for 4 weeks post surgery - pain usually drops
All bi-weekly follow-up (8) visits with Dr. Birkholtz
Mobility devices: crutches, walker, wheelchair
Transfer from Airport via Hospital Driver

Option 4:

Humeral (bilateral Upper Arm)

$52,500

US Dollars

Pre-Op Virtual Zoom & In Person Consultation
All Surgical Fees included
Lengthening nails for both humerus (arm) bones
Anesthesia
Surgeon
Full length hospital stay
3-Months Included for...
- Rehab facility Stay
- Meals
- Housing
- Daily care
- Physiotherapy
All medication for 4 weeks - pain usually drops
All bi-weekly follow-up (8) visits with Dr. Birkholtz
Mobility devices: crutches, walker, wheelchair
Transfer from Airport via Hospital Driver

the "Get back on your feet faster" surgery

Expedited Weight Bearing Program

*This is a nail swap surgery at the end of the lengthening phase - where the lengthening nails are swapped for full weight bearing nails to accelerate your weight bearing capacity sooner for faster mobility.

$18,000

US Dollars

Pre-Swap Consultation
Pre-Swap X-rays
Surgical Swap Fees
Anesthesiologist
Surgeon
Assistant
2 days Hospitalization

Removal Pricing List

*These are the prices for Bilateral Nail Removal Surgery.

Please contact us for pricing for all other procedures.

Standard "Bare Bones" bilateral

$8,500

US Dollars

Pre-Removal Consultation
Pre-Removal X-rays
Surgical Fees
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgeon
- Assistant
- 2 days Hospitalization

Premium "VIP" Removal

$14,000

US Dollars

Pre-Removal Consultation
Pre-Removal X-rays
Surgical Fees
- Anesthesiologist
- Surgeon
- Assistant
- 2 days Hospitalization
- 3 days Inpatient Physio
- 7 days of housing at rehab center including
  - Meals
  - Daily Physio
- One 10-day wound care visit

Get Your VISA Here!

Are you considering traveling to Stellenbosch, South Africa to have your surgery done by Dr. Birkholtz and his team? If so, you may want to apply and acquire a travel VISA just in case you have to stay for longer than 90 days.

Sometimes, your lengthening rate may need to slow down to ensure quality bone regenerate and that means not rushing the process.