Congenital diastasis of the inferior tibiofibular joint: report of three additional cases treated by the Ilizarov method and literature review.

Abstract

Congenital diastasis of the inferior tibiofibular joint presents clinical problems of talipes equinovarus, ankle diastasis, and leg-length inequality. In the past, foot disarticulation and prosthetic fitting has often been chosen as a solution because of the difficulty involved in functional reconstruction. The authors report three additional cases of congenital diastasis of the inferior tibiofibular joint that were satisfactorily treated by lengthening of the tibia and fibula and foot repositioning by the Ilizarov technique. After treatment, all patients had a plantigrade, functional foot with normal sensation at skeletal maturity and were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcomes. The Ilizarov technique is effective in accomplishing the goals of leg-length equalization and foot repositioning.