What it is Deformity and LLD?

Deformity and Limb length discrepancy (LLD) may present individually or in conjunction with one another. Deformity can be described as a disfigurement or distortion that makes a part of the body an abnormal size or shape. Limb length discrepancy occurs when one limb is longer than the other. These conditions commonly affect larger bones of the legs and arms and can be present at birth, appear later in childhood or be acquired by factors that are not present at birth, like injury or illness. Patients and/or their parents are often concerned about these conditions. The Canadian Limb Lengthening Centre specializes in surgical treatments for complex Deformity and Limb length discrepancy (LLD).

Causes

There are many different reasons why limb length discrepancy (LLD) and/or deformity may arise. Deformity and LLD may result from congenital, developmental, or acquired, posttraumatic, infectious or post-surgical causes. These causes often involve the growth plates found at the proximal and distal ends of the Femur (thigh), Tibia (leg), Humerus (arm), and Radius/ulna (forearm). Conditions that affect the growth plates can cause one limb to grow slower than the other.

Symptoms

  • Noticeable abnormality in the shape and size of a body part
  • Pain and discomfort due to mechanical issues
  • Pain in the back, hip, knee, or ankle.
  • Difficulty with excess load bearing
  • Abnormal gait when walking
  • Visible length discrepancy in either the legs or arms
  • Joint contracture
  • Muscle weakening

Diagnostics

Understanding the underlying causes and properly diagnosing your condition is the first step to treatment. We then provide a holistic approach to helping patients and their families through their surgical journey. Properly supporting you and/or your child, while educating you on the details helps us ensure the most successful outcomes possible. Our hands on, team approach makes patients feel supported throughout the whole treatment process.

To learn more about your condition and receive a diagnosis, schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic doctors. During this consultation, all your questions will be answered as our specialists guide you through the evaluation process.

Treatments

Procedure

Acute Deformity Correction

Procedure

Gradual Deformity Correction with External Fixation

Procedure

Gradual Deformity Correction with Internal Fixation

Procedure

Gradual Lengthening with Internal Fixation

Procedure

Gradual Limb Lengthening with External Fixation

Case studies

19 year old male with congenital knee fusion

AM I A CANDIDATE?

Are you experiencing an orthopedic condition and would like to improve your physical capabilities?

Or you simply would like to achieve your long-lasting dream of improving your height?

Let us help you achieve your optimal health and wellness in a professional setting.

Let’s open up a discussion to help you achieve your goals.

Highly specialized expert care at CLLC

At the Canadian Limb Lengthening Centre we offer complex deformity correction and limb lengthening surgeries performed by experienced surgeons with the most up to date technologies. When it comes to your care, and treatment of deformity and limb length discrepancy, our surgeons have extensive training and experience.

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