a chisel-like surgical tool called an osteotome wedged into his femur, as Dr. Kevin Debiparshad whacked it with a mallet. This is the art of getting taller. Cost: Around $100,000. Surgery.

Mallet fingers are almost always successfully treated with a splint that hyperextends the fingertip, allowing the extensor tendon to heal on its own. Surgery is only indicated in the rare ...