Dr. Metin Küçükkaya is a globally recognized orthopedic surgeon specializing in deformity correction, limb lengthening, and orthopedic trauma.
Over the past 30 years, he has not only witnessed but led the evolution of surgical techniques — advancing from classical Ilizarov methods to the most sophisticated intramedullary lengthening nails, plates, and systems for both adult and pediatric patients.
With extensive expertise spanning multiple decades, Dr. Küçükkaya has been a driving force behind the advancement of modern limb-lengthening technologies.
He performed the world’s first human surgery using the Precice® intramedullary lengthening nail and spearheaded the first-in-human clinical trial of the Synoste Nitinail System, reshaping treatment paradigms and elevating global patient care standards.
Beyond his groundbreaking surgical contributions, Dr. Küçükkaya, together with world-leading expert Dr. Peter Thaller, founded and hosted the prestigious International 3D Surgery Course in Istanbul — a landmark educational program that has redefined global standards in the training of deformity correction and limb lengthening surgery. Over the years, the course has brought together many of the world's most distinguished experts, establishing itself as one of the most influential academic platforms in orthopedic surgery.
A relentless advocate for patient safety and surgical precision, Dr. Küçükkaya is particularly renowned for his success in managing complex cases and reversing complications resulting from previous inadequate treatments. With an exceptional 0% long-term complication rate, he continues to set new global benchmarks for quality, innovation, and excellence in orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Metin Küçükkaya played a pivotal role in the development and clinical validation of the Precice® intramedullary lengthening nail (developed by Ellipse Technologies, Inc., now owned by Globus Medical), one of the most significant innovations in limb lengthening surgery.
The initial research and development team was led by Dr. Stuart Green, and Dr. Küçükkaya was actively involved in the early design discussions, preclinical evaluations, and surgical implementation as part of this pioneering team.
On June 8, 2011, in Istanbul, Dr. Küçükkaya performed the world’s first human surgery using the Precice® nail, marking a historic milestone in orthopedic surgery. This first-in-human application was conducted within the framework of the initial clinical trial preceding FDA approval, playing a crucial role in establishing the device's safety, effectiveness, and feasibility.
His contributions significantly influenced the regulatory approval process, including CE certification in September 2010 and FDA approval on July 12, 2011.
Through his expertise in deformity correction and limb reconstruction, Dr. Küçükkaya performed the first surgical applications and helped refine the surgical techniques and clinical protocols associated with the Precice system. His contributions to limb-lengthening innovations were instrumental in the global adoption of this revolutionary technology, benefiting thousands of patients worldwide and shaping the future of modern limb-lengthening surgery.
Dr. Metin Küçükkaya was the Coordinating Investigator and First-in-Human Lead Surgeon for the Synoste Nitinail System clinical trial (2018-2022).
He previously led preclinical cadaveric feasibility studies (2015 & 2017) to assess the system’s applicability.
Throughout the trial, he oversaw scientific design, patient selection, and surgical execution, performing the technology's world’s first human applications.
Initially developed by SYNOSTE Oy, the system was acquired by Globus Medical by the time the surgical phase of the trial was completed.