Limb Deformity Correction

Treatment depends on the anatomic location of the deformity, functional deficit, or presence of cosmetic concern. The key goal of treatment is appropriate bone alignment and improved joint function, and can range from bracing to surgical intervention.

Overview

Limb deformities are musculoskeletal abnormalities that can be congenital (something you are born with), developmental, or acquired as the result of fracture, infection arthritis or tumor.

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What Are My Treatment Options?

Acute Correction

A surgeon may choose an acute correction to treat a deformity when the angle of the deformity is small, and correction is only needed in one direction.

Gradual Correction

Gradual correction bone deformity surgery is based on a principle called distraction osteogenesis, which is the induction of bone growth as a result of applied tension at the site of an osteotomy.

How to Prepare

Temporary lifestyle changes should be expected when wearing your external fixator. Although these changes may present challenges, you can be prepared by understanding what to expect and making adjustments before treatment.

What to Expect

There are a variety of surgical options available, and treatment will be dependent upon a patient’s specific condition. One option your surgeon may recommend is treatment with the MAXFRAME^® Multi-Axial Correction System. Components of the system include circular rings, struts and pins/wires.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Strut Adjustments

After surgery your surgeon will provide strut adjustment instructions that will be your guide as you proceed with daily strut adjustments.

Caring for Your Pin Sites

It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions on how to keep your pin sites clean. This will help to decrease the risk of infection.

Infection Symptoms

Infection is a common problem around pin sites and being able to recognize an infection and alerting your doctor immediately is an important aspect of your recovery.

Additional Resources

Physical Therapy

There are a variety of different kinds of stretches and other exercises surgeons may recommend to patients preparing for treatment.

References

No available references.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The performance of limb deformity surgery depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks and recovery takes time. People with conditions limiting rehabilitation should not have this surgery. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell if limb deformity surgery is right for you.

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