Orthopedic problems associated with vascular malformations

Vascular malformations lead to orthopedic complications in the majority of affected patients, not least because vascular anomalies and circumscribed over- or undergrowth form a spectrum of interrelated clinical presentations. This is particularly true for the lower extremity because, in contrast to the upper extremity, differences in leg length cause a change in posture and biomechanics.

In general, leg length discrepancies, foot deformities, scoliosis, articular cartilage damage, and contractures play a particularly important role in the orthopedic care of patients with vascular malformations.

The following chapter will discuss these topics and outline the basic treatment principles.