Limb Deformity

Limb deformities can occur as a result of an old fracture which healed in angulated, or twisted or translated, or shortened  position. If they are the result of a combination of the above, it is called complex or multi-directional deformity

Congenital or developmental conditions ( i.e Achondroplasia, Congenital femoral deficiency, Rachitis) can cause hypoplasia or other deformity of the bones.

Bone deformities may occur in many shapes and directions. They may be acutely angulated or smoothly curved, twisted and combined with translation or shortening. They may be near the joint or in the middle (diaphysis)of a long bone.

Because of the altered shape of a limb in the presence of a deformity, the function of that limb is greatly affected.
Depending on the type and severity of the deformity it can cause symptoms like, pain, joint stiffness, joint instability, difficulty with walking or standing and low back pain.

A bent or twisted femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone), for example, will probably result in abnormal loading of the knee and ankle joints. This will cause pain and gradual ligament loosening and joint instability. Eventually, arthritis will incur. Because of the disuse of the limb, the muscles may atrophy and become weak. The walking ability of the patient is greatly affected. This means that there is pain and/or increased energy demands for the usual daily activities.

These symptoms may cause significant psychological burden.
Treatment options include corrective osteotomies of the affected bone or bones. The correction can be done either with internal nails or with external fixation devices.