Bone deformity after injury and infection
Osteomyelitis and non-union
Our leading paediatric consultants can treat bone deformities using cutting-edge technology and advanced treatments
What is bone deformity?
Need to know
-
Why does bone deformity occur? icon plus
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bones which can cause permanent damage in children. The infection, which can be caused by trauma to a long bone such as the femur, can cause damage to individual bones and spread to the nearby joints. Bones are weakened as a result and affected joints and limbs may become misshapen. If the bone is very damaged, it may need to be amputated.
Unhealed fractures may also cause bone deformity in the form of unstable 'false joints' or dents in the bone. These areas cause persistent pain and poor bloody supply. -
How is a bone infection diagnosed? icon plus
Your consultant will discuss your child's symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. The most reliable way to diagnose bone infection is to take a fluid sample and biopsy from the infected bone. This will confirm the infection and enable your consultant to treat the problem.
An unhealed fracture is best diagnosed through X-ray and MRI scans, which display surrounding tissue and soft bones. A sequence of X-rays may be compared over time to confirm that the fracture isn't healing. -
Potential treatment options icon plus
Deformities caused by osteomyelitis may need to be treated with surgery. First, pockets of bacteria within the bone are drained, and damaged bone is removed by a process called debridement. This can lead to bone and soft tissue loss, so the bone is then stabilised with bone graft or cement.
Deformities caused by unhealed fractures are treated with bone grafts or straightened with metal implants such as cages, rods and screws (internal or external fixation). These are removed when the fracture has healed.
Our orthopaedic consultants
Our locations
From complex orthopaedic surgery to diagnostic tests and procedures, we provide exceptional paediatric care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
-
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
-
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
-
The Portland Hospital
205 - 209 Great Portland Street
London W1W 5AH
-
HCA UK at The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road
Wilmslow
Cheshire SK9 1NY
-
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
-
HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
-
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
Request an orthopaedic appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with an experienced orthopaedic or sports medicine consultant. We can also arrange imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments.
Call us today
020 7079 4344