Blounts Disease Surgery
If you’ve recently noticed that your child’s legs appear to be bowing, you may be considering a diagnosis of Blount’s disease. If so, the first step to treating this condition is to consult an orthopaedic surgeon. The condition is diagnosed through a physical examination and x-rays. X-rays will show changes to the growth plate and the abnormal shape of the tibia.
Can Blount’s disease be cured?
Blount’s disease is a congenital deformity that affects the bones of the tibia. It may lead to different leg lengths and pain. The disorder may not be cured, but it can be corrected. Surgical treatment is an option for some patients. The surgery may involve cutting the tibia and realigning the bone. The surgeon may also place an external fixator to hold the bone in place. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients recover completely afterward.
Treatment for Blount’s disease involves correcting abnormal bone growth. The tibia will grow unevenly, causing the bone to bend outward. This condition is different from the bowlegs that babies develop when they first walk. The deformity typically develops in the toddler years and early adolescent years, but it can also affect older children. If left untreated, the deformity may worsen.
Is Blount disease painful?
Blount disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the knee joint is inflamed. It causes a person to have difficulty walking and may cause one leg to be shorter than the other. Most people with the disease are overweight or have a family history of the condition. X-rays are usually taken to diagnose the condition, but MRIs can give more accurate information about the condition. MRIs can reveal details about the structure of the knee joints, the bones’ growth plates, and blood supply. They can also help determine the stage of the disease.
The most common symptom of Blount’s disease is bowlegs. However, older children may also experience intoeing, which is a condition in which the foot or feet turn inward instead of forward. Children may also experience pain in the leg, usually around the knee. If these symptoms persist, children should see a pediatrician for a diagnosis.
Is Blounts disease a disability?
The primary goal of treatment for Blount’s disease is to correct the deformity and realign the lower legs. In young patients with infantile Blount’s disease, bracing can be used to gradually guide the legs into a straighter position. Most children will see an improvement within 12 months of treatment. However, some children with more severe deformity may need surgery to correct the problem. Fortunately, there are several surgical options available.
The first study to describe Blount’s disease was conducted on black children in Jamaica, but the condition now occurs in children of all races. During the early stages of development, this disorder often manifests as obesity. While some children develop the disease early, others will not show symptoms until they are in their twenties.
Is Blount’s disease genetic?
Blount’s disease is a growth deformity that affects the bones in the area of the knee. It is caused by an abnormal growth plate that causes a child’s knee to bow outward. It can affect both legs or just one. Although the exact cause is unknown, genetic factors are likely to play a role. The condition is generally not painful and can be diagnosed through a physical examination and x-ray.
Blount’s disease is a condition that usually affects children when they are young. It tends to occur on one side, particularly in adolescents. The deformity is most common in the tibia and thigh bone. Children with this condition will experience a bowing of one or both legs, and they may also complain of pain or instability in their knee.
What does Blount’s disease look like?
The primary goal of treatment for Blount’s disease is to correct the deformity and improve the alignment of the legs. Young children and infants with infantile Blount’s disease can benefit from bracing, which guides the legs into a more upright position. In most cases, this type of treatment is sufficient and the child will experience improvement after a few months. If, however, the deformity persists, surgery may be necessary.
The first symptom of Blount’s disease is a bowing of the lower leg. This deformity is usually painless but can make walking difficult. The child may also experience pain in the leg near the knee area, which can mimic growing pains.