Posttraumatic Lower Limb Deformities in Children

Posttraumatic deformities of the lower limb are caused by the injury itself, by its management, or are long-term complications of the initial injury. They are different from deformities that are congenital or secondary to other causes as they occur essentially in normal bone. Such deformities also differ from those in adults due to the process of growth and remodeling. Many posttraumatic deformities in children do not need treatment, as they do not limit function or can remodel but mostly need long-term follow-up and may need subsequent treatment. The management of these deformities should be individualized and focus on correction of the limb deformities, shortening, restoration of joint mobility, and stability. This needs appropriate reconstruction of bone and soft tissue. This chapter illustrates the management of different types of lower limb deformities with case examples.