Canada's Best in

Limb Lengthening & Deformity Correction

Specialized Care to help achieve your dreams

About Dr. Marie Gdalevitch

Specializing in multiple advanced orthopedic disciplines including correcting complex deformities and the limb lengthening including helping patients balance unequal leg lengths as well as those stressed about their stature so they can achieve their desired height and live a happy and fulfilled life.

Medical Degree: McGill University

Residency: McGill University

Fellowship: International Center for Limb Lengthening Baltimore

Research: Article on Heparan Sulfate effect on osteogenesis

Accomplishments: Developed telescopic Free-Gliding screw

Experience Level: High. 10+ years in LL and deformity correction

Hobbies: In her spare time, Dr. Gdalevitch enjoys playing ice hockey in a women’ s league and spending time with her family.

My Clinic

Canadian Limb Lengthening Center (CLLC)

A comprehensive team of orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists who specialize in limb lengthening and deformity correction for Canadian and international patients alike.

Seamless care designed to your unique needs and culture

Holistic approach helping patients through their limb lengthening journey for the most successful outcome

A full team experienced surgeons, nurses and physiotherapists that make patients feel supported throughout the whole process.

Patients worldwide come to CLLC 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. Gdalevitch 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. It is usually the long bones that patients visibly notice and physically feel - oftentimes giving pain and discomfort. LLD 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.

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 proportions and muscle contractions to determine if patients are a good candidate. Our physiotherapist will also meet with patients at this stage to prescribe pre-operative stretching exercises. Patients must make arrangements to move to Montreal, Canada for 3 months

3. Surgery Day

In surgery, we will install the lengthening nail in either the femurs or the tibias.

After surgery patients stay in hospital for approximately 2 nights, before returning to their local accommodations in Montreal. First week services are provided to assist patients with their recovery.

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 complicaitons

5. Physical Therapy

While in Montreal, patients will undergo physical therapy 5 days a week with our highly trained physiotherapist. 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 requires one overnight stay in Montreal and then the next day you can return home.