Reconstruction of a Pediatric Lateral Femoral Condyle After Septic Necrosis with a Free Vascularized Fibular Epiphysis: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Mar 9;13(1). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.22.00736. eCollection 2023 Jan 1.

Abstract

Case: A 5-year-old girl presented with severe valgus deformity of the right knee after septic necrosis of the lateral femoral condyle. Reconstruction was performed using the contralateral proximal fibular epiphysis on the anterior tibial vessels. Union was evident after 6 weeks, and full weight bearing was permitted after 12 weeks. Two years of follow-up showed no deformity or length discrepancy and 90° range of motion.

Conclusion: The pattern of 1 femoral condyle resorption due to osteomyelitis is a rare presentation. The presented method of reconstruction could be implemented as a novel technique to reconstruct the growing knee joint in such a condition.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Epiphyses / diagnostic imaging
  • Epiphyses / surgery
  • Female
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / surgery
  • Fibula
  • Humans
  • Knee Joint* / surgery
  • Necrosis
  • Vascular Diseases*