What is Congenital Deformities?
Congenital deformities are those structural abnormalities that start developing in the fetus during its intrauterine life and become apparent at birth. These may include defects related to bones, muscles, joints, or tissues of the body. Most of the congenital deformities require special, expert care for their proper management and rehabilitation by professionals like physiotherapists.
Causes of Congenital Deformities:
Congenital deformities can be caused by both genetic and environmentally-induced factors during pregnancy. Therefore, maternal infections, toxin exposure, nutritional deficiencies, some drugs, and other factors are likely to cause birth defects.
Types of Congenital Deformities:
- Orthopedic Deformities: Characterised by abnormality of bones and joints, for example, club foot, hip dysplasia, limb length discrepancy.
- Musculoskeletal Deformities: These involve disorders like congenital muscular torticollis, scoliosis, and limb deficiencies.
- Craniofacial Deformities: These are cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and micrognathia.
- Cardiovascular Deformities: Defects relating to the structure and function of the heart are also very common. The tireless ones are congenital heart defects.
Treatment Process:
Treatment of congenital deformities varies, depending on the exact deformity and its severity. Most often, this is accomplished through an interdisciplinary approach that includes surgical interventions with physiotherapy and occupational therapy, along with continued medical management. Early intervention can minimize long-term complications and maximize functional abilities expeditiously.
