Limb disorders in children

The team at the Children’s Health℠ Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine has extensive experience diagnosing and treating limb disorders, including knock-knees, bowed legs and leg-length discrepancy.

Our physicians tailor treatment to your child’s unique symptoms and offer comprehensive care with sophisticated, effective therapies such as guided growth for limb-length discrepancy.

Plano

469-303-3000
Fax: 469-303-4520

Frisco

469-303-3000
Fax: 469-303-4520

Prosper

469-303-3000
Fax: 469-303-4520

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What are limb disorders in children?

Limb disorders are a group of conditions that cause your child’s arms and legs to develop abnormally.

What are the different types of limb disorders in children?

In children, these conditions include:

Limb deformity

Some children have limbs that form abnormally as they grow. Common conditions include knock-knees and bowed legs.

Limb-length discrepancy

Most often, children with significant limb-length discrepancy (difference in length of the arms or legs) have a history of bone injury, infection or disease. Sometimes, neurological conditions or arthritis are the cause.

What are the signs and symptoms of limb disorders in children?

Common signs and symptoms of limb disorders include:

Difficulty using limbs properly in actions like throwing, walking and running
Noticeable deformity or significant difference in the length of one limb versus the other
Pain in affected limb or nearby joint

How are limb disorders in children diagnosed?

Limb disorders are diagnosed with a physical examination and a review of your child’s medical history. We will also order an imaging scan to help with the diagnosis.

Diagnostic tools include:

X-ray

Uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to take detailed images of the bones in both limbs (affected and non-affected) to make a comparison

CT (computed tomography) scan

Uses X-rays to make detailed images of the affected and non-affected limb for comparison

Physical exam

Looks at your child’s limbs and measures limb-lengths to test for discrepancy

What are the causes of limb disorders in children?

Possible causes and risk factors of limb disorders include:

Growth plate injuries
Bone and joint infections, such as osteomyelitis
Bone injuries such as fractures — especially near the growth plate
Hip joint conditions, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and hip dysplasia

How are limb disorders in children treated?

A child diagnosed with a limb disorder can still live a normal life with the help of our multidisciplinary team. We bring together specialists with considerable expertise to treat the full range of potential conditions.

Nonsurgical treatments

Orthotics

Shoe lifts for children with minor leg length discrepancy

Bracing

Leg braces to correct knock-knees or bow legs

Surgical treatments

Guided growth procedure

Used to correct knock-knees and bowed legs in children, this minimally invasive surgery attaches screws and a small, figure eight-shaped plate to the bone. When attached, these tools minimize pressure on the growth plate, allowing the bone to correct gently over time.

Limb-lengthening procedures

With this advanced procedure, physicians slowly pull the shorter limb’s bones apart using pins, to lengthen the limb and encourage natural regeneration. The limb is supported by a brace during the lengthening.

Limb-shortening procedures

These effective techniques shorten the longer limb by slowing its growth rate or removing a section of bone (bone resection is only done in teens who have stopped growing).

After care

After treatment, our physicians work collaboratively with in-house physical therapists to create an individualized rehabilitation plan for your child’s unique needs.