Is Circular Frame Correction of Limb Deformity Right for Your Child?

Is your child concerned about the prospect of leg lengthening surgery or leg deformity correction? At Pediatric Orthopedics, we offer patient specific deformity correction using circular frames and internal devices to address these issues with precision and care. Schedule a consultation today to provide your child with top-quality pediatric orthopedic treatment. We’re dedicated to supporting your child’s health every step of the way.

Circular frames are a type of medical device known as external fixators that can be used to correct both deformity and lengthen the leg. The device is external to the limb and is anchored to the bone with a combination of wires and bone screws. They work on the principle of slowly stretching divided bone to correct deformity and lengthen. They can be used to lengthen and correct deformities in bones in both the arm and leg. Dr. Qureshi, specializing in pediatric orthopedic services, often employs this method to address complex bone issues in children.

Treatment with a circular frame is long as it can take many months for a lengthened bone to heal completely. The initial surgery is application of the circular frame and division of the bone that needs to be lengthened. After surgery there is a latency phase which lasts around 7 days for the blood clot where the bone has been divided to have sufficient mechanical properties to be stretched to form new bone. At 7 days from surgery, the lengthening phase begins where the bone ends are slowly pulled away from each other to create bone in the gap. This process occurs through daily adjustments to the frame which can be done by the patient or carer at home. The rate of stretching the gap has to be very slow to enable bone to form, typically 1mm per day. Therefore, to achieve 40mm of lengthening would require a 40 day period of daily circular frame adjustments. As well as lengthening the bone, the frame adjustments can also enable deformity correction. In essence, making a short bent bone straighter and longer. As a bone is lengthened, attached muscles can become tight and physiotherapy is essential during the treatment journey to avoid problems.

Once the desired correction in terms of bone length and alignment has been achieved, the maturation phase begins. In this phase the circular frame remains in place while the bone progressively forms and strengthens in the gap. The maturation phase is longer than the lengthening phase. Depending on the size of the gap, many months may be required for the bone to adequately strengthen to allow the frame to be removed. Regular follow up with x-rays monitors progress in bone development and determines the timing of safe frame removal. After the frame is removed, the leg is protected in a plaster cast for a further 4 to 6 weeks to minimise the risk of a fracture through the newly formed bone.