Deformity Correction – that ortho doctor

Physical deformities can be a source for functional limitation and mental anguish in children and adults. A pragmatic approach to deformity correction can literally change a person’s life! Let’s take a look at common deformities that can be treated by well timed Orthopaedic interventions.

1. Clubfoot

Congenital talipes equinovarus (commonly called Clubfoot) comprises of multiple foot deformities in newborn babies. If left neglected or improperly treated, leads to ghastly deformities persisting lifelong affecting the person’s ability to walk and lead a normal life. Optimum treatment consists of early plaster treatment started as early as 2 weeks after birth, done meticulously every week without fail. Weekly plaster treatment by Ponseti regimen results in gradual correction of foot deformity over 5 to 6 weeks. Sometimes this is aided with a small surgery called percutaneous TA tenotomy. After completion of plaster treatment, the foot is maintained in a specialised brace and shoe till the child starts going to school.

After 3rd plaster (Week 3) : Note how half the foot deformity is now corrected

After 5th plaster (Week 5) : Note how the foot deformity has been over-corrected (this is has been done to prevent relapse in future)

After final plaster after percutaneous TA tenotomy : Note how the ankle equinus has been well corrected to normal position

FInal picture of foot after complete corrcetion of all deformities

2. Elbow Deformity

Elbow injuries are fairly common in children due to frequent falls while playing. If major injuries/ fractures are not properly treated in a timely manner, it leads to grotesque deformities of the affected limb. That in turn adversely affects social life during childhood and teenage years, even persisting upto adulthood.

Here is an example of gunstock deformity of elbow which was treated with corrective surgery.