sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Blount disease: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    These issues usually require timely clinical advice but are not automatically emergencies.

    These symptoms require emergency care.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating team promptly for worsening bowing, a new limp, increasing knee pain, brace-related skin sores, or concerns about a cast or surgical wound.

    After surgery or while wearing a cast, seek urgent medical assessment for increasing pain that is not controlled as expected, marked swelling, spreading redness, fever with wound drainage, new numbness, or difficulty moving the toes.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up usually includes examination of leg alignment, walking, knee movement, and leg length.

    Standing X-rays may be repeated at intervals chosen by the orthopedic specialist.

    Children using a brace need appointments to assess fit, skin health, and response to treatment.

The article also says

After guided-growth surgery, regular imaging is especially important.

Continued correction can eventually move the leg past the desired alignment if the hardware is not removed or adjusted at the appropriate time.

Children who have an osteotomy need monitoring of bone healing and alignment.

A cold, pale, or blue foot, sudden loss of feeling or movement, severe rapidly increasing pain, or a very tight and swollen limb may signal a problem with circulation or pressure in the leg.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Blount disease. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.