Bending osteotomy through the distal tibial physis in fibular hemimelia for stable reduction of the hindfoot.

Abstract

Fibular hemimelia is associated with a deformity of the distal tibial epiphysis resulting in a convexity with lateral and posterior slope of the distal joint surface. The deformity results into an equinovalgus position of the foot and ankle and frequently consecutive dislocation of the foot. A new procedure is presented, in with a metaphyseal ostotomy is performed towards the physis in order to bend the postero-lateral third of the distal tibial epiphysis forming a concave distal tibial joint surface. This procedure was done in four feet in three patients at ages between 7 and 20 months combined with soft tissue releases and rebalancing the tendons. At a follow-up between 6 and 42 months the position of the feet is well retained.