Limb Deformities
Limb deformities refer to abnormalities in the shape, structure, or alignment of the bones or muscles in the arms or legs. These deformities can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (developing after birth due to injury, disease, or other factors). Limb deformities can range from mild, causing minimal functional impairment, to severe, leading to significant mobility issues and physical challenges.
Types of Limb Deformities:
- Congenital Limb Deformities
- Acquired Limb Deformities
- Angular and Rotational Deformities
Causes of Limb Deformities:
- Genetic Factors
- Environmental Factors
- Injury
- Diseases and Infections
Diagnosis:
- Physical Examination: A thorough clinical examination to assess the severity and type of deformity.
- X-rays and Imaging: Used to evaluate bone structure, alignment, and the extent of deformity.
- CT or MRI: May be used for complex cases, especially when soft tissue or joint involvement is suspected.
- Gait Analysis: In some cases, a detailed analysis of walking patterns is performed to assess functional impairment and guide treatment.
Treatment of Limb Deformities:
Treatment varies based on the severity, type, and cause of the deformity. The primary goals are to restore normal function, correct appearance, and prevent further complications.
Non-Surgical Treatments:
- Bracing: Used for milder deformities like bowlegs or knock knees to guide the limbs into proper alignment as the child grows.
- Physical Therapy: Focuses on improving muscle strength, flexibility, and movement to help manage mild deformities.
- Corrective Casting: In infants, deformities like clubfoot can be treated using casting techniques, such as the Ponseti method.
- Orthotics: Special shoes, insoles, or braces may be prescribed to improve function and support alignment.
Surgical Treatments:
- Osteotomy: A surgical procedure where the bone is cut and realigned to correct angular deformities like bowlegs or knock knees.
- Limb Lengthening: For significant limb length discrepancies, an external fixator may be used to slowly stretch the bone and stimulate new growth.
- Epiphysiodesis: In cases of growth plate injuries or discrepancies in limb length, this procedure involves intentionally stopping the growth of a longer limb to allow the shorter limb to catch up.
- Excision or Amputation: In cases where a deformed or non-functional limb is present, part or all of the limb may be surgically removed.
- Reconstructive Surgery: This may involve tendon transfers, bone grafts, or joint realignment to restore function.
Minimally Invasive Techniques:
- Arthroscopy: For some joint-related deformities, arthroscopy can be used to correct structural abnormalities in a less invasive way.
