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Hemihypertrophy (hemihyperplasia)

Hemihypertrophy (or hemihyperplasia or Isolated Lateralized Overgrowth, ILO) is a condition in which one side of the body is larger (bulkier and longer) than the other, causing asymmetry. This excessive growth can affect various tissues, including bone, muscle, fat, and skin. It is often a congenital disorder, meaning it is present from birth and can occur alone or in association with other genetic syndromes.
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Hemihypertrophy (or hemihyperplasia or Isolated Lateralized Overgrowth, ILO)  is a condition in which one side of the body is larger than the other (bulkier and longer), causing asymmetry.

This excessive growth can affect various tissues, including bone, muscle, fat, and skin. It is often a congenital condition, meaning it is present from birth and can occur alone or in association with other genetic syndromes.

Hemihypertrophy: symptoms

The most obvious feature of this condition is the asymmetry between one half (or portion) of the body and the other.

A part of the body is generally increased in volume (hyperplasia or hypertrophy or macrosomia) and length (hypermetria).

Hemihypertrophy: which tissues does it affect?

Overgrowth can involve various tissues: bones, fat, skin, muscles, and even internal organs.

Hemihypertrophy: classification

Hemihypertrophy can be:

  • isolated
  • syndromic : the increased growth is present within a syndromic picture: for example, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Hemihypertrophy: risk of tumors?

Some forms of overgrowth are associated with an increased risk of developing tumors, in particular Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma, and for this reason periodic pediatric follow-up with specific tests is necessary.

Hemihypertrophy: orthopedic treatment

It is advisable to contact a referral center with specific experience to carry out orthopedic follow-up, appropriate radiographic tests and treatment.

Generally, the difference in length between one lower limb and the other requires a symmetrical epiphysiodesis procedure (see dedicated sheet)

OrthoChildren Center has a long experience in this procedure.

Techniques for pathology Hemihypertrophy (hemihyperplasia)

Treatment of limb length discrepancy

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