The Ilizarov procedure was developed 20 years ago by a Russian doctor to lengthen the legs of dwarves and re-form shattered bones. In China

it has been popularised as a form of aesthetic surgery for people who want to be taller. To lengthen the legs, the shin-bones are severed

and a steel frame drilled into the bones in order to stretch them apart. Following surgery, over the course of several months, three inches of new

leg bone can be grown. Risks are high. Limbs can become deformed, weakened, or grow to different lengths.

Ilizarov leg lengthening operation. Beijing, China.