May also be called: Acquired Deformity; Post-Traumatic Deformity An acquired deformity is a change in the normal size or shape of a body part as a result of an injury, infection, arthritis, or tumor. More to Know A deformity is any sort of disfigurement or distortion that makes a part of the body a different size or shape than it would be normally. Deformities can be: congenital: present at birth developmental: appearing later in childhood acquired: caused by injuries or illnesses that were not present at birth Common causes of acquired deformities include misaligned broken bones, osteoarthritis (a disease that causes the joints to degenerate), and conditions like cancer and thyroid disease that cause tumors, goiters, or other masses to form. Some acquired deformities may be visible, but many are not. Nonvisible symptoms depend on the cause of the deformity and include pain, decreased range of motion, and loss of function of the affected body part. Treatment for an acquired deformity depends on the cause. Medications may be used to treat infections or diseases, and surgery may be done to realign bones or remove tumors. Keep in Mind Acquired deformities can be as simple as a bulge forming over a broken bone as it heals. In many cases, the deformity is harmless and requires no treatment. When treatment is necessary for medical or cosmetic reasons, it often successfully corrects the deformity even if the underlying condition needs further treatment. All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts. Back to Articles Related Articles What Is the Thyroid? Do you know just how important the thyroid is? It helps you grow and affects your energy level. Read More Broken Bones Many kids will have a broken bone at some point. Here's what to expect. Read More Broken Bones Bones are tough stuff - but even tough stuff can break. Find out what happens when a bone fractures. Read More Broken Bones What happens when you break a bone? Read More Casts Casts keep bones and other tissues in place while they heal. Here's what to expect, and how to care for casts. Read More Cancer Center Visit our Cancer Center for teens to get information and advice on treating and coping with cancer. Read More Cancer Center From treatments and prevention to coping with the emotional aspects of cancer, the Cancer Center provides comprehensive information that parents need. Read More Cancer Center Cancer is a serious illness that needs special treatment. Find out more about how kids can cope with cancer. Read More Word! Arthritis This is what happens when joints - the places where bones meet - get painful, swollen, and stiff. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.