Treatment of varus deformities of the lower limbs in patients with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia.

[achondroplasia]

Angular deformities of the lower limbs are a common clinical problem encountered in pediatric orthopaedic practices particularly in patients with osteochondrodysplasias . The varus deformity is more common than the valgus deformity in achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia patients because of the unusual growth of the fibulae than that of the tibiae . We retrospectively reviewed six patients (four patients with achondroplasia and two patients with hypochondroplsia ) with relevant limb deformities due to the above-mentioned entities . All patients manifested significant varus deformity of the lower limbs . Detailed phenotypic characterization , radiologic and genetic testing was carried out as baseline diagnostic tool . We described the re -alignment procedures , which have been applied accordingly . Therefore , bilateral multi-level procedures , multi-apical planning and limb lengthening have been successfully applied . While recognition of the underlying syndromic association in patients who are manifesting angular deformities is the baseline for proper orthopaedic management , this paper demonstrates how to evaluate and treat these complex patients .