Limb Deformity / Length Discrepancy

In growing children, limb deformities of the legs, including bow legs (genu varum) and knock knees (genu valgum), are among the most frequent causes for a visit to the pediatric orthopedist.  In many cases the alignment of the legs corrects naturally. However, in those cases where the condition persists or the abnormality becomes more pronounced, medical attention is required.

Children who are born with—or who develop—differences in the length of their limbs can benefit from a range of treatments that may be as simple as the use of adaptive footwear or as sophisticated as limb lengthening surgical intervention that helps generate new bone in the affected limb. When limb lengthening surgery is indicated, orthopedic surgeons can safely and gradually lengthen the affected bone by up to 15 to 20 centimeters.

For more information on pediatric limb deformity and length discrepancy, please refer to the following articles:

• Limb (Leg) Deformity Reconstruction for the Pediatric Patient
• Limb Lengthening for the Pediatric Patient
• Blount's Disease: A Brief, Illustrative Overview