Skeletal Conditions

Congenital Conditions and Deformity

It is entirely unknown how malformed bones and congenital conditions arise, but they can be detected as early as the first trimester. We provide care for simple to complex limb deformities for patients of all ages. Our services include:

• Correcting limb length discrepancies, both congenital and acquired
• Fibular Hemimelia Complex (the absence of the fibula bone)
• Congenital short femur
• Post-traumatic limb length discrepancy or deformity.

To correct these conditions our specialists and physicians use a variety of treatment methods including, guided-growth procedures, external fixation devices or multiple level osteotomies (the cutting of bones), depending on the level of complexity in regards to the condition. For patients with limb-length discrepancies, long bone lengthening are also provided.

Dysplasia

Dysplasia is generally the abnormal growth in bones caused by genetics or growth hormone disturbances. The most common forms of dysplasia are achonodroplasia, commonly known as dwarfism, and hypochondroplasia, which is less severe dwarfing affecting just the limbs. We also specialize in osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bones) and angular deformity. Our Skeletal Dysplasia clinic is a collaborative unit between the Genetics/Metabolic team and Orthopedics. We provide non-operative and operative management for the varying forms of dysplasia. We offer guided growth for bowlegs/knock-knees, as well as prophylactic stabilization of bones in children with osteogenesis imperfecta, using implants.

Musculoskeletal Tumors

Musculoskeletal tumors are tumors that can be found on the bone, soft tissue and spine. The severity of the tumor guides how bones will be affected; some tumors will not have any severe affects, but others will cause compression of healthy bone tumors. Various imaging technologies will help physicians assess the severity of the tumor and provide guidance on the best possible treatments.

Foot and Ankle

The Foot and Ankle Clinic at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health provides treatment for congenital and acquired foot and ankle deformities. Both operative and non-operative treatment alternatives are utilized to deliver the most effective and appropriate care to our patients.