Background: Madelung's deformity is a congenital abnormality of the wrist caused by a disturbance of growth that retards the development of the ulnar and volar aspect of the distal radial physis, usually idiopathic, but can be associated with bone dysplas

Abstract

Background: Madelung's deformity is a congenital abnormality of the wrist caused by a disturbance of growth that retards the development of the ulnar and volar aspect of the distal radial physis, usually idiopathic, but can be associated with bone dysplasias and Turner's syndrome, or acquired following trauma that disrupts growth of the radial ulnar volar physis. The exact nature of the pathologic process that causes the disturbance in growth is unknown.
Method: This patient presented to us at the age of 20 years and we did closing wedge osteotmy with stabilisation with intrmedullary rush nail. Follow up was for two years. She no longer has pain and the deformity remains corrected.
Results: Corrective osteotomy and stabilisation corrects the deformity and gives good results, both functionally and cosmetically.
Summary: Even when they present late, patients with Madelung's deformity can benefit from surgery.

Key words: Madelung's deformity, closing wedge osteotomy, Intramedulary Rush nail.