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Madelung deformity

Case contributed by Saher Saeed
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Pain and swelling in the distal third of the arm

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Exaggerated radial inclination.

“V-shaped” proximal carpal row.

Dorsal dislocation of the ulnar head.

Case Discussion

The Madelung deformity is a growth disorder of the forearm that is associated with a characteristic deformity. It is caused by reduced growth of the distal radial epiphysis with a mismatch to the relatively longer healthy grown ulna. In other words, a part of the radius stops growing early. The ulna keeps growing and can dislocate, forming a bump.

In the case of Madelung deformity, the mobility of the wrist is limited. Dorsiflexion and ulnar abduction are restricted. There is usually no pain.

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