Updates in pediatric lower extremity deformity

Abstract

During growth and development, a number of changes occur in the alignment of the child’s lower extremity. These dynamic changes, combined with the number of disease processes that can cause lower limb deformity can make evaluation and treatment challenging. In children with pathologic malalignment, a number of treatment options exist for correction, and over the last few years a number of innovative ideas have become more commonplace. This article discusses the normal development of childhood lower extremity alignment and reviews the current literature regarding treatment options for lower extremity deformities.