Step deformity
- Step deformity is a skeletal deformity in which 2 adjacent bones which should be aligned with each other are displaced and are at different levels – resembling a step of a staircase
- Examples:
- Step deformity of spine
- two adjacent vertebra are at different levels
- can be identified by palpating the spinous process
- spinous process appears prominent due to anterior/posterior displacement of adjacent vertebra (spondylolisthesis)
- Step defromity of infraorbital ridge
- seen in zygomatic bone (tripod fracture)
- Step deformity of knee
- seen in rupture of cruciate ligaments
- results in displacement of tibia and fibula relative to femur
- Step deformity below acromion
- seen in separation of acromioclavicular joint
- Step deformity of spine
