Translation and Angulation-Translation Deformities

Abstract

Translation is the movement of one fragment relative to another. Translation deformities can be accompanied by an angulation deformity, which are known as angulation-translation deformities. Although translation deformities are seen with angulation deformities, both deformities can be seen on the same plane or on separate planes.

Translation of bone endings limits contact of bone fragments. On the contrary, with angulation, bone surface contact remains. Therefore, translation deformities are commonly seen with the nonunion and malunion.

If the magnitude of the translation is more than the affected bone’s diameter, the bone fragments cannot contact each other. Also, weight-bearing forces and muscle contractions cause the bone endings to shorten. This shortening means movement of the bone through the axial plane. Translation is the movement of the bone perpendicular to the long axis of the bone. Shortening and translation are usually seen together.

Translation deformities will be explained in this chapter.