Madelung’s Deformity is a rare arm condition that affects the musculoskeletal system. Part of the radius, which is one of the bones of the forearm, stops growing, while the other forearm bone, which is the ulna, keeps on growing. Eventually, the ulna dislocates and forms a bump or a deformity. This is known as Madelung’s Deformity. The other bones in the hand and forearm may also be affected resulting in hands that are rotated and lower than the forearm. Madelung’s Deformity does not affect the movement of the hand or the elbow, however, the deformity is quite visible and may not look pleasant to the eye.

Signs and Symptoms: 

The signs and symptoms of Madelung’s Deformity can range from just a slight deformity in the form of a protrusion at the wrist to complete dislocation of the wrist with a visible bump. In addition, there may be other symptoms that point towards Madelung’s Deformity, such as limited range of motion of the wrist and presence of chronic pain around the wrist. 

Causes: 

Madelung’s Deformity does not currently have an exact cause. However, some researchers believe that this deformity may be the result of an abnormal growth plate at the end of the radius. Other experts believe that this deformity is caused due to an abnormal ligament which connects the radius to the small bones of the wrist. Although Madelung’s Deformity is a congenital condition, meaning that people are born with it, and in a majority of cases it occurs in association with certain genetic disorders like the Turner Syndrome or Leri-Weill mesomelic dwarfism. 

Treatment: 

Treatment for Madelung’s Deformity is basically two fold which is observation and surgical. Observation is reserved for those patients in which the deformity is very mild and the patient is experiencing very mild or no symptoms at all and the patient has no problems with using the wrist for daily activities. Surgery is reserved for those patients in which the deformity is quite large and the patient is experiencing symptoms severe enough to preclude him or her to perform any activities which involve use of the wrist and the patient is experiencing severe pain with any motion of the wrist due to Madelung’s Deformity.

For additional information, you can contact California Sports and Rehab Center. We can accommodate your needs in multiple locations in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. Please visit us at https://emg-ncv.com or call our office at (310)-652-6060 for any questions.