Over View
What is Madelung’s deformity?
Madelung’s deformity is a rare arm condition that affects the growth plate of the radius, a bone in the forearm. As a child grows, this abnormal growth results in a misalignment where the two long bones of the forearm (the radius and ulna) meet the bones of the wrist.
What are the symptoms of Madelung’s deformity?
Symptoms of Madelung’s deformity can range from a slight bulge at the top of the wrist to a complete wrist dislocation. Other symptoms can include:
- limited range of motion in the wrist
- wrist pain either after activity or continuously
What causes Madelung’s deformity?
The exact cause of Madelung’s deformity is unknown. It may be because of an abnormal growth plate in the radius. It could also be caused by an abnormality in the ligament that connects the end of the radius to the small bones of the wrist.
Sometimes a trauma or injury to the growth plate at the end of the radius may cause a deformity similar to Madelung’s.
How is Madelung’s deformity diagnosed?
Madelung’s deformity is usually diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 14, though it is sometimes diagnosed earlier.
As part of the diagnosis, your child will probably have a physical exam and x-rays. Their doctor may order other tests and may refer them to a geneticist if they suspect an associated syndrome.
How is Madelung’s deformity treated?
Many children with Madelung’s deformity have no pain or limitations and do not need treatment. In such cases, their doctor usually recommends regular visits so they can monitor the condition as the child grows.
If your child develops pain, has trouble using their wrist, or if the deformity gets worse, their doctor may recommend surgery.
In general, the goal of surgery is to reposition and stabilize your child’s wrist so they can move it without pain. Surgery also aims to prevent the deformity from getting worse.
The type of surgery depends on your child’s age and general health, the severity of Madelung’s deformity, and how well your child can move and use their wrist.
Services:
- Amniotic Band Syndrome
- Brachial plexus injury
- Brachial plexus surgeries
- Brachydactyly
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cleft Hand
- Clinodactyly
- congenital hand deformities
- Hand Surgery
- Macrodactyly
- Madelung's Deformity
- Polydactyly
- Radial club hand
- Radioulnar Synostosis
- Scapholunate Ligament Injuries
- Syndactyly
- TFCC tear
- Thumb Hypoplasia and Aplasia
- Ulnar dimelia
- Ulnar Longitudinal Deficiency