LIMB RECONSTRUCTION
Limb reconstruction can be defined as that branch of orthopaedic surgery concerned with achieving maximum function from a limb deformed as a result of either a congenital or acquired condition or trauma. The techniques involved include limb equalisation, correction of angular and rotational deformities, correction of mal and non-unions, epiphyseodesis, arthrodiatasis and joint reconstruction. The surgeons involved with limb reconstruction will be familiar with the techniques of limb lengthening and bone transport, the use of internal and external fixators and intramedullary devices. The principles of bone and soft tissue regeneration under conditions of distraction are employed.

CONGENITAL DEFORMITIES
Children born with limb reduction deformities or deformities involving the hand or foot (e.g hemimelias, achondroplasia, club hand and foot deformities, congenital pseudarthrosis etc.) may have these deformities improved or corrected by limb reconstruction techniques.

ACQUIRED DEFORMITIES
Limbs deformed as a consequence of trauma, infection, metabolic abnormalities (e.g. rickets) or bone tumours may be dealt with using the same techniques. Bone transport, a method of filling a bone defect by moving an adjacent segment of bone within its soft tissue envelope, is of particular value for dealing with segmental defects such as occur following trauma and following bone resection in the treatment of osteomyelitis.