Limb Deformity

Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics

Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine Specialists located in Santa Monica, Brentwood, Palisades and Los Angeles, CA

The pediatric orthopaedic surgeons at Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics, Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, and Thomas Grogan, MD, diagnose and treats all types of limb deformities in children, including bow legs and knock knees. The team at Los Angeles Pediatric Orthopaedics provides comprehensive limb deformity care at their kid-friendly office near the Brentwood neighborhood on the Westside of Los Angeles. If your child has any type of limb deformity, call the office or request an appointment online today.

310-828-5441

Limb Deformity Q & A

What is a limb deformity?

Children with limb deformities have legs or arms that are different in size or shape. For example, a child’s legs may be curved instead of straight, or one may be longer than the other. Limb deformities can be present at birth (congenital), or they may develop later (acquired).

What are the common types of limb deformities?

Dr. Koenig and his team treat a wide range of limb deformities, including:

Angular deformities

Angular deformities occur when limbs aren’t correctly aligned. Two of the most common angular deformities to affect the legs are bow leggedness and knock knees. Having bow legs means the legs curve outward at the knees, and the feet and ankles touch. Knock knees cause one or both knees to lean inward.

Growth plate injuries

Growth plate injuries happen when a fracture affects the active, growing tissue at the end of a bone. These injuries can lead to partial or complete growth arrest, which means the bone becomes deformed or no longer grows. If the bone stops growing, it can lead to limb length discrepancy.

Post-traumatic deformities

Post-traumatic deformities may develop after an injury. They can either result from the injury itself, from complications of the injury, or problems with injury management.

How are limb deformities diagnosed and treated?

First, Dr. Koenig and his team review your child’s medical history and perform a physical exam. They may also take an X-ray to help determine the best course of treatment. They offer fast, efficient, and low-radiation digital X-rays right in the office.

The team then develops an individualized treatment plan based on the type and severity of your child’s limb deformity and how much it interferes with daily activities. Dr. Koenig and his team always explore the most conservative treatment first, such as physical therapy and bracing.

Severe limb deformities, or those that don’t respond to treatment, may require surgery.Dr. Koenig uses minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible.

For advanced expertise in treating all types of limb deformities, call the office of Jonathan H. Koenig, MD, or request an appointment online today.

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