Fibula lengthening then centralization for the treatment of pseudoarthrosis at the middle third of tibia with large leg-length discrepancy - A case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Tibial dysplastic pseudoarthrosis associated with large leg-length discrepancy and extensive scarring was a great challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The treatment for these lesions was not defined.

Case presentation: We report a 24-year-old case of dysplastic pseudoarthrosis at the middle third of the right tibia with a 10 cm leg-length discrepancy and a 25⁰ medial deviation and 20⁰ internal torsion due to osteomyelitis 14 years previously. She was treated by fibula lengthening then centralization for the treatment of tibial pseudoarthrosis. Eight months after the operation, the patient reported no pain and became capable of walking without an orthosis. X-rays showed full bone union at the proximal tibiofibular synostosis and the lengthening site of the right fibula. The distal tibiofibular synostosis was healing. The range of movement of the knee and ankle was restored.

Clinical discussion: This technique was different from the Huntington procedure. A good union between the transposed fibula and the remaining part of the fibula brought a better strength of the reconstructed tibia. The tibial pseudoarthrosis, leg-length discrepancy, and malalignment had been solved by our techniques. The procedure was easy, rapid, and inexpensive without requiring microsurgery skills and special devices.

Conclusion: Leg lengthening then centralization of ipsilateral fibular graft is an excellent option for reconstruction of a tibial pseudarthrosis with a large leg-length discrepancy. It is a safe, rapid, and inexpensive procedure. The procedure was not difficult, and microvascular skills and special devices were not required.

Level of evidence: A case report.

Keywords: Leg-length discrepancy; Leg-lengthening; Tibial defect; Tibial pseudoarthrosis.