Correction of tibial deformity in adults.

This report from five hospitals in Japan describes the results of correcting adult tibial deformities using external fixation. There were 49 patients with 59 lower limb deformities, with trauma being the most common cause of the deformity. Varus angulation was the most common deformity, and the most common magnitude was 11 degrees -30 degrees. Twenty-two patients had a leg-length discrepancy. The aim of the correction was to normalize both the mechanical axis and the inclination of the knee and ankle joints. In 63% of the patients corrections were performed gradually during bone lengthening or acutely after bone lengthening. Altogether, 71% of the patients were completely corrected, and no leg-length discrepancies remained after correction in 47%. Complications were encountered in 22 patients, about half of which were pin tract infections, 28% refractures, and the remainder delayed consolidation or fixator failure. There were no neurological or circulatory complications. The average fixation duration was 9 months. The average hospital charges were 3,740,000 yen in bilateral correction patients and 1,940,000 yen in unilateral correction patients. External fixation can correct not only the mechanical axis and joint inclination but also leg-length discrepancy simultaneously.