DEFORMITY

What is a deformity?

• A deformity is an atypical, structural deviation or distortion of the bone's shape from its normal alignment, length and/or size

 

What causes deformity of bones

• A bony deformity can either be present from birth (congenital) or develop in later life (acquired) 

 

What causes acquired bony deformities?

• Most acquired bony deformities are a result of trauma

• 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?

• A disruption of the normal weightbearing axis may occur which can result in:

• A change in the way you normally walk, such as a limp

• Referred pain - a change in the weight passes through a bone can cause pain in other areas such as the hip, knee or ankle

• Joint stiffness - a deformity around a joint can affect the way a joint normally moves, resulting in become stiffer

• Misalignment - a foot that points inwards or outwards may suggest a bone has a rotational or twisted deformity

 

How can a bony deformity be managed?

• A symptomatic bony deformity can be correct with surgery

• Breaking the bone in a controlled manner 

• Realigning the bone - this may be performed acutely or gradually over time

• Stabilising the bone until it heals - once the been realigned it must be kept stable to allow it to heal. This may be with internal metalwork or an external fixator