How are arm length discrepancies treated?

Kollardaki kısalık aşırı olmadıkça belirgin fonksiyonel problemlere yol açmaz. Kısalık fazla ise veya aynı zamanda omurga sorunlarına bağlı belde sertlik var ise kişi masadan uzanıp bir şeyi alma gibi veya kişisel ihtiyaçlarını gidermede sorunlar yaşayabilir. Genellikle kısalık 5 cm’ yi geçiyorsa veya akondroplazi gibi doğumsal hastalıklara bağlı olarak ileri derece ise uzatma söz konusudur.

How is it treated?

Through lengthening, an equal length of both arms can be achieved. Very positive results can be achieved, both functionally and cosmetically.

Short stature and length discrepancy in the arm were caused by achondroplasia (age 16). The legs had been lengthened 20 cm before. Treatment for the length discrepancy in the arms was started later. Generally a unilateral external fixator is used for the treatment. During this period, the patient can eat food, read books and take care of other daily needs.

A) Before the treatment, 

B) After surgery,

C) During the lengthening treatment, and

D) at the end of the treatment, a 12 cm arm (humerus) lengthening is achieved and full function of the arms can be seen.

"Madelung's disease"or length discrepancy in one of the forearm bones following a fracture may lead to limited wrist movement or other losses in function of the arm.

A) Beyond being dissatisifed with the apperance, the patient (age 24) had been experiencing wrist pain during daily function and while driving.

B) Because of the Madelung's disease, there was a length discrepancy as well as angular gaps in the radial bone, and this led to a discrepancy in the wrist joint. The Ilizarov external fixator was used to lengthen the radius and address the shortness and angular gap. The patient carried out daily activities during the treatment.

C) The patient's previous complaints were gone by the end of the treatment, and

D) functioning of the arm had been corrected.