SUSSEX LIMB RECONSTRUCTION
DEFORMITY
WHAT IS A DEFORMITY?
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A deformity is an atypical, structural deviation or distortion of the bone's shape from its normal alignment, length and/or size
WHAT CAUSES A DEFORMITY IN A BONE?
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A bony deformity can either be present from birth (congenital) or develop in later life (acquired)
WHAT CAUSES ACQUIRED BONY DEFORMITIES?
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Most acquired bony deformities are a result of trauma
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Deformities from trauma can occur if the bone fails to heal (non-union) or heals in the wrong position (malunion), which can cause a limb to be shorter and have a bend.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF A BONY DEFORMITY?
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A disruption of the normal weightbearing axis may occur which can result in:
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A change in the way you normally walk, such as a limp
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Referred pain - a change in the weight passes through a bone can cause pain in other areas such as the hip, knee or ankle
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Joint stiffness - a deformity around a joint can affect the way a joint normally moves, resulting in become stiffer
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Misalignment - a foot that points inwards or outwards may suggest a bone has a rotational or twisted deformity
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HOW CAN A BONY DEFORMITY BE MANAGED?
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A symptomatic bony deformity can be correct with surgery
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Breaking the bone in a controlled manner
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Realigning the bone - this may be performed acutely or gradually over time
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Stabilising the bone until it heals - once the bone has been realigned it must be kept stable to allow it to heal. This may be with internal metalwork or an external fixator