Prognosis of Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia: Effect of Site of Tibial Pseudarthrososis and Fibular Involvement.

BACKGROUND

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is a rare condition that has long been one of the most challenging concerns in pediatric orthopedic surgery. When the fracture occurs, a recalcitrant nonunion is expected. This is why successful treatment means maintaining a long-term union. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic outcomes for the middle and distal third fractures of the tibia and to explore whether the treatment of concurrent fibular pseudoarthrosis affects the outcome.

METHODS

We studied 12 patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (Crawford type 4) from 2014 to 2019. A combination approach including intramedullary rod, Ilizarov apparatus, corticocancellous bone graft, and periosteal graft was used. In the initial surgery, we did not fix the ankle and subtalar joints.

RESULTS

As a result, the union was achieved in 67% of the cases after the index surgery. All of the cases with primary nonunion were related to the concurrent fibular and distal third tibial pseudarthrosis. In addition, ignoring the treatment of fibular pseudarthrosis in the index surgery led to ankle valgus deformity both in the middle and in the distal third tibial pseudarthrosis. We finally achieved a 100% union rate in all cases, with no subsequent refracture.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery at an early age was associated with favorable results and minimized deformity. In concurrent fibular and distal third tibial pseudarthrosis, it is recommended to transfix the ankle and subtalar joints to create a cross-union with fibula so that the intense union can be confidently obtained with more cross-section to prevent ankle valgus deformity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-case series.