Madelung's Deformity

Madelung’s deformity was first described by Malgaigne in 1855 however carries Madelung’s name from his description in 1878 [1]. The deformity is caused by an abnormal growth arrest of the palmar-ulnar distal radius physis. In addition to the abnormal growth, there is an abnormal palmar ligament tethering the lunate to the palmar-ulnar radius epiphysis and metaphysis (Vickers’ ligament) that is thought to contribute to the deformity [11]. The deformity is characterized by a prominent dorsal subluxation of the ulnar head and palmar sag of the hand and wrist with a shortened forearm. Patients present with wrist pain as well as concerns about the aesthetic deformity.