Gradual Deformity Correction

Abstract

Treating children with limb deformity including shortening is an important aspect of orthopedic surgery. In order to circumvent the difficulties in performing deformity correction one must adhere to a specific set of principles. Evaluating a deformity or planning its correction necessitates a holistic approach, accounting for the bone as well as the soft tissue envelope and surrounding vital structures. An understanding of the instrumentation used and the potential pitfalls is also mandatory. Although acute correction may seem appealing, it is fraught with dangers to which gradual correction has proven superior, particularly when correcting complex deformities. In this chapter, we cover the principles of gradual deformity correction. Case illustrations are included to further elucidate the material covered.