Lower extremity deformities are conditions that cause abnormally shaped bones in the legs. These can occur secondary to bone diseases, genetic conditions that affect bone growth, or bone injuries.
Blount’s Disease
Blount’s disease is a condition that causes bowing of the legs. Bowing of the legs is very common in children under the age of 2 and usually improves by age 3. Infantile Blount’s disease causes the bowing to persist or to worsen after the age of 2. Bowing may occur in one leg or both. It is caused by an abnormality of the growth plate at the top of the shin bone, just under the knee joint.
Growth Arrest
Growth arrest is caused by damage to a growth plate. Growth plates are areas of special cartilage cells that make bones grow longer. The most commonly affected growth plates are in the arms and legs. Fractures, bone infections and some bone diseases can cause growth arrest that results in disruption of normal bone growth. If a growth plate is partially injured, the bone may grow abnormally and become crooked.
Skeletal Dysplasias
Skeletal dysplasia is a term used to describe genetic conditions that affect the growth of a child’s cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. There are more than 400 dysplasias, many of which cause changes in the shape and size of the skeleton. These changes are most noticeable when they occur in the arms, legs, head, or spine. Some dysplasia, such as achondroplasia, result in short stature.
Post Traumatic
Post traumatic limb deformities can occur if a bone heals wrong after a fracture. This is called a malunion. Malunions may result in crooked bones and/or shortened bones. If the malunion interferes with normal function or if it is likely to cause problems in the future, it may require surgical intervention.
Amniotic band Syndrome
Amniotic band syndrome is a condition in which fibrous bands of the uterine lining wrap around the fetus. These bands may form compressive rings around the fingers, toes, arms, or legs. In some cases, this constriction interferes with development of the limbs resulting in congenital amputations.
Other Conditions
- Metabolic Bone Disease
- Overgrowth Syndromes
- Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
- Congenital Tibial Pseudoarthrosis
- Posteromedial Tibial Bowing
- Arthrogryposis
