Cape Town surgeons pioneer world-first internal limb-lengthening operation

A surgical breakthrough in Cape Town is drawing international attention following a game-changing operation.

Tygerberg Hospital, together with Stellenbosch University, have pioneered limb-lengthening surgery, the first of its kind to be done in the country.

A highly specialised team recently completed the historic operation on a former police officer who suffered a severe gunshot wound, leaving him with limb-length discrepancies.

Orthopaedic surgeon Nando Ferreira said the surgical team inserted a device called the Fitbone Transport that pulls two segments of bone apart, forcing the bones to grow in order to close the gap.

“It is currently the only implant in the world capable of performing internal bone transport to regenerate bone across a defect and continue lengthening the limb further.”

Ferreira said the surgery is life-changing.

“He now has a realistic chance of returning to near-normal function after years of disability. This case highlights what is possible when clinical excellence, innovation, and patient-centred care come together.”

He says the success of the surgery demonstrates the Western Cape's growing leadership in surgical innovation.