Ankle joint reconstruction in fibular hemimelia in conjunction with the ilizarov Technique

ABSTRACT

Fibular hemimelia is a congenital disorder characterized by partial or complete absence of the fibula. It ranges from mildfibular shortening to bilateral involvement with associated defects of the femur, tibia, ankle and foot. This article is a prospective study of 14 patients [15 limb segments] with fibular hemimelia treated by limb lengthening and ankle reconstruction either by distal end of the fibula if present, contra lateral head of fibula or remnants of cartilaginous anlagen. Application of Ilizarov frame was done to start lengthening and correction of foot deformity. There were 7 males and 7 females. At the latest follow-up, the 14 patients were functioning well and had few complications. The findings suggest that these approaches are a more effective method of management of fibular hemimelia. The Ilizarov method is an attractive alternative for those patients