What is Deformity Correction Surgery?

Deformities of the musculoskeletal structure greatly affect an individual's ability to perform ordinary tasks. For instance, they may be unable to feed themselves if they have a deformity of the arms. However, this does not have to be a permanent situation. Thanks to innovations and discoveries in medicine; most of the deformities can be corrected. Thus, deformity correction surgery is a procedure that is meant to restore some level of function to a person. The aim is to ease the hardship that an individual has to undergo in his/her daily life.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis to determine if one's musculoskeletal structure has a deformity is made through a physical exam. In young children, age is important in determining if in fact there is a deformity. This is because most deformities, especially of the lower limbs, correct themselves as the child develops. If they do not correct by the time the child turns four or five, there might be a need for surgery.

It will also involve an x-ray in some instances. This is usually the final procedure in determining how and if the musculoskeletal structure is damaged. The entire diagnosis is usually done quite fast; it should not take longer than a day or two in most instances.

Procedure for Treatment

The first stage of treating deformities is the use of braces. A brace is placed on the deformed limb or another body part for at least a year. In most instances this is usually enough to correct the problem. The brace is usually left in place all the time or when one is awake.

For most minor deformities such as a misaligned knee, this is usually more than enough. However, sometimes it does not yield any results. When this happens, a person is expected to go for corrective surgery. Braces are mostly used on young children whose bones are still developing.

Growth plate Procedures

Deformities in the growth plate are another sauce of deformities. This usually causes uneven growth in the limbs. If the deformity is in the leg, it may cause further problems. This is because of the uneven pressure may cause the bones to deform further.

If this happens, most doctors will recommend the growth plate be closed on the other side, especially on the lower limbs. This will ensure that a person has even sized limbs. Another procedure is sequential lengthening. It will entail surgically breaking of the bones and stretching them apart. This procedure is only applicable to young people whose bones can still heal from injury.

How much time is required?

 Deformity correction surgery is quite a large field. The duration of treatment will depend on the specific type of deformity. In some people, the treatment may take years since it involves the use of

What should be cared?

 The doctor will issue very specific guidelines to avoid a relapse. If these instructions are not adhered to, it could lead to complications that can be quite difficult to treat. Adults who have a child with a deformity need to enforce these instructions to the letter; it is for the good of their child.