Limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II: can it be an alternative to amputation?

Abstract

The purpose of our study was to analyze limb lengthening in fibular hemimelia type II. Ten patients underwent 16 tibia lengthenings. The mean tibia shortening was 5.8 cm. We used the Ilizarov technique in all cases. The mean follow-up time was 7.2 years. The mean lengthening was 23% of the former length. The healing index was 50.8 days/cm. In the final examination six patients were skeletally mature, equal limb length and functional foot positioning were achieved in four of them. Complications were observed during 14 lengthenings (87.5%). Although lengthening in fibular hemimelia is difficult, elongation with axis and foot correction may offer an alternative to amputation.

• Authors: Daniel Zarzycki, Barbara Jasiewicz, Wojciech Kacki, Arkadiusz Koniarski, Marcin Kasprzyk, Maja Zarzycka, Maciej Tesiorowski
• Journal: Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B (J Pediatr Orthop B) Vol. 15 Issue 2 Pg. 147-53 (Mar 2006) ISSN: 1060-152X [Print] United States
• PMID: 16436952 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Amputation, Surgical
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Ectromelia (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Ilizarov Technique (adverse effects)
• Male
• Osteogenesis, Distraction (adverse effects, methods)
• Postoperative Complications
• Radiography
• Tibia (diagnostic imaging, surgery)