Nigerian girl undergoes surgery for bow legs in Mumbai
POSTED May 22, 2009 - 16:42 | POSTED BY Neharika Sabharwal
Last edited by Harpreet Bhagrath on May 22, 2009 - 17:34
"She was diagnosed with Blount's disease, a rare growth disorder that affects children, causing the legs to bow outwards, just below the knees. She was unable to run and experienced pain while walking," said Sebastian Okoye, the girl’s father.
Angular deformities or bow legs are common when the kids are under two and then the condition normally improves on its own. Hilda’s parents started worrying when Hilda’s legs did not straighten even when she was six. So they brought her to India, which has better health care facilities, for surgery.
The surgery with new technique
Dr Atul R Bhaskar, a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon, operated on Hilda using a new technique ‘Epiphysionysis & apos’ to correct the problem.
The surgery, which was performed on May 15, lasted two and a half hours. Bhaskar and his team removed a few millimetres of bone using high speed burrs from the left leg and filled the cavity with bone cement (ceramic cement).
“This is different from the conventional technique, where the bone is simply cut and rejoined," said Bhaskar.
Dr Bhaskar declared that the procedure will not affect her growth, or result in shortening of legs. After a few months of physiotherapy, she would be able to participate in activities with friends, and her aspirations of becoming an athlete could be fulfilled.
About Blount’s disease
Blount’s disease has an effect on the bone growth of toddlers and older children.
The growth plate in the tibia (the bone below the knee) is affected, leading to bow legs in children. Angular deformities or bow legs are common when the kids are under two and then the condition normally improves on its own.
Bhaskar explained, "Bowing, referred to as physiological varus, is normal in infants. As most children begin to walk, their legs gradually straighten out."
Blount's is often misdiagnosed as rickets, due to the similar symptoms. Rickets is a nutritional deficiency that can be treated by a combination of vitamin D and medication.
“If the child continues to have deformity even after two years of age the parents should consult a doctor. However, all bow legged-ness cases are not serious and Blount’s disease,” said Dr. Bhaskar.
In India, Blount’s disease is rare. Worldwide, only one child in a lakh children are inflicted with the disease.
