What is limb deformity?

A limb deformity is any sort of disfigurement or distortion that makes a part of the limb a different size or shape than it would be normally. Deformities can be:

• Congenital: present at birth.
• Developmental: appearing later in childhood
• Acquired: caused by injuries or illnesses that were not present at birth

Deformities can range from mild to severe. Mild deformities might not be visible or cause any symptoms. In severe cases, deformities can be readily apparent, cause pain, interfere with the movement and functioning of affected body parts, and negatively affect self-image. Treatment depends on the specific deformity and often includes surgery or the use of corrective devices like back braces and leg casts.

Some commonly diagnosed and performed surgeries in paediatric orthopaedic practice.

Lower limbs

• Bowlegs and Knock knees
• Leg-length discrepancy
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta
• Congenital dislocation of knee
• Skeletal dysplasias
• Foot and ankle deformities
• Hypoplasia or aplasia (absence) of limb

Upper limbs

• Polydactyly or duplication of digits i.e. extra digits (as shown in image above)
• Syndactyly (Fused fingers) which can be complex & simple
• Radial club hand: it is similar to clubfoot in the lower limb with sometimes absent of bones of the forearm
• Flail or absent fingers or thumb

What are the treatment options?

The treatment consists of bracing or surgical procedures for both upper limb and lower limb deformities. Treatment for missing or hypoplastic limbs is mainly through the use of prosthetic devices, which are most useful for lower-limb deficiencies and for completely or almost completely absent upper limbs.