Fibular Lengthening Research Articles

Fibular Lengthening Surgeries in Treatment of Malunited Pott's Fracture Ankle: A Systematic Review

Abstract Background The primary goal of ankle fracture treatment is restoration of ankle stability and alignment. Following an ankle fracture, the fibular fracture deformity is usually shortening and external rotation. This shortening permit lateral shift of the talus with persistent instability and valgus tilt. Many fibular malunions can be successfully salvaged using grafting and plating techniques. In malunited ankle fractures with a shortened fibula and lateral talar shift, reconstruction of the ankle has been advocated to restore function. Lengthening of the fibula is an important step in such cases. Aim to study the functional outcomes and results of fibular lengthening surgeries of malunited pott's fracture ankle and to know the complications of surgery. Patients and Methods The search strategy identified 77 unique citations. Screening of titles and Abstracts identified 27 potentially relevant articles. Full text review of these articles identified 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Results The common interventions procedures used was Ankle joint re-balancing with fibular lengthening, Fibular Lengthening Osteotomy with Revision Syndesmotic Repair. Satisfactory (excellent\good) in 73 cases and unsatisfactory (fair\poor) in 12 cases. VAS score mentioned in 1 study and improved from 6.76 ± 1.03 pre to 2.03 ± 1.21 post. Six studies showed that the infection rate was 31.996 %. Conclusion Correction must be performed once diagnosed, and there is no maximum elapsed time subsequent to which treatment efficacy is reduced. Even if anatomical reduction cannot be achieved, the improved alignment can produce a satisfactory result.

Ankle joint re-balancing in the management of ankle fracture malunion using fibular lengthening: prospective clinical-radiological results at mid-term follow-up.

An unsatisfactory reduction and internal fixation of an ankle fracture can result in an alteration of the anatomical axes and distribution of the load on the ankle, with consequent development of chronic pain and articular degeneration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of the articular re-balancing with realignment and lengthening of the fibula in case of malunited distal fibular fractures. A review of prospectively collected data was performed for all patients with a diagnosis of malunion of the fibula and underwent ankle joint re-balancing with fibular lengthening. Twenty-three patients, with a mean age of 39.4 ± 13.1years, have been evaluated using radiographic parameters, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons ankle-hindfoot, Ankle Activity scale, and SF-36 score at six, 12, 24, and 36months post-operatively. All cases treated showed at follow-up the osteotomy healed in good correction of the deformities. Clinical scores showed a clear improvement: final 36-month mean AOFAS was 74.0 ± 8.9 point, final 36-month mean HALASI score was 4.9 ± 0.9 points, 36-month follow-up SF-36 score showed an average score of 73.2 ± 10.7 points. Pre- and post-operative radiographic parameters have been registered and described. The ankle joint is a complex structure, and even minor changes of the structure of this joint can significantly compromise its functionality. Ankle joint re-balancing is an effective surgical procedure in case of fibular malunion. This procedure, in patients carefully selected, could procrastinate more disabling surgical procedure, as arthrodesis or prosthesis.

Ankle Mortise Instability in Multiple Hereditary Exostoses

Category:Ankle, Ankle Arthritis, Pediatric Foot and AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:Ankle valgus has been reported in 50% of patients with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) and, untreated, results in early arthrosis. Widening of the ankle mortise has also been reported; however, there has been a lack of data regarding its natural history and management. Alterations of mortise anatomy result in poor functional outcomes and accelerated arthrosis of the ankle. The aim of our study was to report the characteristics and outcomes of mortise widening in a group of patients with MHE.Methods:A total of 13 patients with MHE and mortise widening (16 ankles) were identified. Age, sex, BMI, laterality, origin of osteochondroma, pain, instability, clinical deformity, operative data, and complications were recorded. Mortise (M), Talocrural angle (TC), and Tibiotalar angle (TT) measurements were collected on preoperative and last follow up radiographs. The majority of patients underwent medial distal tibia hemiepiphysiodesis. Post-surgical AOFAS and SF36 scores were collected.Results:Preoperatively, no patient complained of instability, however, 9/16 ankles were painful and 14/16 were clinically in valgus. Patients underwent surgery at an age of 11.8 years (9.7-15). Radiographic and clinical follow up were 2.6 years (0.2-7.3) and 6 years (1.5-11.7), respectively. There were no significant differences between pre/postoperative M, TC, TT angles. Operative patients improved mean M (5.17 to 4.63 mm) and TT (8.71 to 4.54 degrees), neither angle reached normal values. TC (fibular length) was within normal limits (82.2 to 84.8). Questionnaires were obtained for 8/16 ankles, at a mean age of 19 years (13-25.1). The average AOFAS score was 66.7 out of 100. Patients scored 8.6/10 for alignment, 32/40 for pain, 25.6/50 for function. SF-36 scores were excellent.Conclusion:The improvement in M and TT was modest and their values remained outside the normal limits. TC angle was within normal limits but displayed an overall fibular shortening and thus, decreased lateral buttress with potential for talar shift. This was reflected in the mean functional and overall AOFAS score. However, our patients are functionally compensating as evidenced by SF36 scores. More studies are needed to optimize the management of MHE patients with ankle malalignment. Earlier valgus correction and possible addition of fibular lengthening to simultaneously address mortise widening may need to be considered to prevent early ankle arthritis.

Screw Distraction Technique For Gaining Fibular Length

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: A shortened fibula may be caused by several conditions like tumors, premature closure of the growth plate and most frequently, malunion. Biomechanically a shortened fibula causes a lateral shift of the talus, widening of the ankle mortise, decreased tibiotalar contact area and eventually could lead to osteoarthritis. Even in a posttraumatic scenario, with moderate or severe osteoarthritis, fibular lengthening has shown to be beneficial in terms of pain reduction and improved function.Several osteotomies have been described with their advantages and disadvantages in terms of technical difficulty, need for bone graft and the ability to correct length and rotation.We present an easy and reproducible surgical technique on a case, that allow restoring length and rotation independently and it does not require complex distractor devices. Methods: Case report: A 34 year old female patient who presented 8 months status post initial open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). She developed a fibular nonunion, broken distal fixation with a shortened fibula and non-anatomic mortise and presented for revision surgery.Surgical technique: The fibula is exposed in standard fashion. A fully-threaded cortical screw is placed across the tibia, distal to the fibula fracture and parallel to the plafond. Next, a second screw is placed into the fibula bicortically from anterior to posterior and approximately 12 mm distal to the tibial screw. A toothed laminar spreader is then placed in-between the screws and distracted resulting in a lengthening of the fibula. A 2 mm Kirschner wire is placed to hold reduction once fibular length is restored and ORIF continues in standard fashion. Results: The technique we present has several advantages. The technique is straightforward, easy to reproduce, and cost effective. Since the anchoring points used for distraction are not both in the fibula, rotation is not implicitly locked in as in the case when both anchoring points are in the fibula, allowing for independent and progressive adjustment of both length and rotation. There is also less risk of proximal migration of the fibular head as no force is applied directly to the proximal fibula. There is also less risk of proximal migration of the fibular head as no force is applied directly to the proximal fibula. Conclusion: Fibular lengthening can achieve improved function, pain relief and decrease the risk of osteoarthritis in selected patients. Several techniques with different degrees of difficulty have been described to treat this condition, but most are not versatile enough in correcting the length and rotation independently. The technique that we present has the advantage of correcting the length and rotation as needed, without requiring complex devices.

20 Degree Post Traumatic Ankle Valgus and Distal Lateral Tibial Osteonecrosis Treated with Staged Deformity Correction and Total Ankle Arthroplasty

Category: Ankle, Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: The purpose of this review is to present a case of post-traumatic ankle valgus and distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis successfully treated with staged deltoid repair, opening wedge tibial osteotomy, fibular lengthening, syndesmotic fusion and total ankle arthroplasty. Methods: Initial surgery consisted of ankle joint arthrotomy and deltoid imbrication. The second surgery consisted of a tibial opening wedge osteotomy with autogenous cortical fibular bone graft superior to the area of osteonecrosis to correct the 20 degree ankle valgus. Fibular lengthening osteotomy and fusion of the distal syndesmosis were also performed. CT scan confirmed bony consolidation at the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis as well as union of the allograft opening wedge. The final surgery was total ankle joint replacement with bone grafting of the area of osteonecrosis. Results: After 5 years of follow up the patient has progressed out of his AFO to full weightbearing. He reports no ankle pain, improved function and range of motion and is ambulating independently with no assistive devices. Conclusion: We successfully treated a case of distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis, and a 20 degree ankle valgus with staged deformity correction and ankle replacement. Radiographs demonstrate a well seated and positioned implant. We believe that with proper alignment that total ankle arthroplasty is a safe treatment option in the face of bone infarction.

Fibular Lengthening Using the Elongated Combi-hole of a Locking Compression Plate: Technical Tip.

Fibular Lengthening Using the Elongated Combi-hole of a Locking Compression Plate: Technical Tip.

Total Ankle Replacement with a Staged Correction of a 20 Degree Post Traumatic Ankle Valgus and Medial Ankle Instability

Total ankle replacement can be a challenging surgery especially when pre-operative deformity exists. Most authors advocate the indication for total ankle replacement should be narrowed to patients with less than 10 to 15 degrees of pre-operative varus or valgus. When greater than 10-15 degrees of coronal plane malalignment is found, ancillary procedures must be performed. We report a case of a 56 year old male with 20 degrees of pre-operative ankle valgus after a pronation-external rotation injury that was malreduced at an outside institution. In addition to the valgus, the patient presented with medial ankle instability, distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis and a shortened, posteriorly rotated fibula. Staged procedures were employed to successfully realign the patient’s ankle joint. The patient was first brought to the operating room and stressed under c-arm fluoroscopy. He was found to have instability of the deltoid complex. He subsequently underwent an ankle arthrotomy, synevectomy and deltoid imbrication to re-establish medial ankle stability. Second, the patient underwent a fibular lengthening and derotation, syndesmotic fusion and medial opening wedge tibial osteotomy. Once consolidation was confirmed by CAT scan, the patient had a gastrocnemius lengthening total ankle arthroplasty with a Zimmer trabecular metal implant (Zimmer Inc®, Warsaw, IN) and debridement and grafting of the distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis. The patient is now greater than 24 months post operatively and able to ambulate pain free without assistive devices.

Fibular Lengthening for the Management of Translational Talus Instability in Hereditary Multiple Exostoses Patients

Hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) patients frequently present with ankle valgus deformity and marked fibular shortening. Loss of the lateral buttress may cause translational talus instability (TTI) that manifests as ankle pain after physical exercise, medial clear space widening on plain radiographs, and gross translational movement of the talus within the mortise. Among 123 HME patients examined and/or surgically treated, 10 patients (14 ankles) with symptomatic TTI underwent fibular lengthening with osteochondroma excision. Twelve ankles of 9 patients were followed for >1 year after surgery. Total fibular length gain averaged 15.3 mm and distal migration of the distal fibular fragment averaged 5.5 mm. The mean medial clear space decreased from preoperative 6.7 mm to postlengthening 3.5 mm. Gross instability of the talus within the ankle mortise disappeared in all cases. AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score improved from preoperative 80.3 to 97.3 at the latest follow-up. The current study showed the fibular lengthening improved lateral ankle stability by providing lateral buttress on the talus and providing favorable short-term result by ameliorating exercise-induced ankle pain in TTI of HME. The authors carefully conclude that TTI is a rare but potentially disabling condition in HME patients, requiring special attention during follow-up of HME patients. Level IV.

Fibular Lengthening Using Distraction Osteogenesis for the Treatment of Fibular Malunion

Fibular Lengthening Using Distraction Osteogenesis for the Treatment of Fibular Malunion

Distal Fibular Lengthening after Premature Growth Arrest: A Case Report

Post-traumatic premature closure of the distal fibular growth plate is a rare entity leading to shortening of the lateral malleolus. We report on a 14-year old boy who presented with a 4-year history of worsening, diffuse discomfort and swelling of his left ankle, as well as fibular shortening and talar malreduction. He had sustained a distal tibial fracture 4 years earlier and had been treated with closed reduction. He reported instability of the ankle and difficulty with running. There was 1-cm shortening of the left fibula, 1-cm shortening of the proximal fibula, and slight widening of the medial clear space. Both tibial and fibular growth plates were already closed and the left ankle joint space was slightly narrowed. He was treated with late fibular lengthening and autogenous iliac crest tricortical bone grafting and achieved anatomic restoration of the distal tibiofibular relationship. At one-year follow-up, the ankle-hindfoot score had improved from 69 to 100.

Ilizarov Technique of Lengthening and Then Nailing for Height Increase

To investigate the risks and types of complications associated with the Ilizarov technique of lengthening and then nailing in persons of normal height. Records of 26 men and 6 women aged 21 to 47 (mean, 27) years with body height of 160 to 176 (mean, 170) cm who underwent tibial and fibular lengthening and then intramedullary nailing were reviewed. They were skeletally mature healthy persons, with no systemic/local bone disease, deformity or limb length discrepancy. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patient satisfaction in terms of the treatment outcomes and expectations was also assessed. Complications encountered during or after treatment were recorded. The mean lengthening achieved was 7.6 (range, 3.5-12) cm or 26% (range, 10-40%) of the original length. The mean duration of external fixation was 96 (range, 45-135) days. The mean follow-up duration after intramedullary nailing was 38.7 (range, 24-93) months. The mean VAS pain score was 9.3 at week 1, 6.6 at week 4, and 5.7 at week 8. After intramedullary nailing, the mean VAS pain score was 2.6 at week 4, 0.9 at month 6, and 0.3 at year 1. 91% of the patients were satisfied with the outcome at week 6; 81% after intramedullary nailing, and 94% at the one-year follow-up. Four patients had revision operations: one for pin exchange owing to pin bending after a fall, one for adjusting external rotation of the tibia after nailing, one for bone grafting for delayed union, and one for drainage of a haematoma just after nailing. Most complications related to patient discomfort and psychological stress, which were important issues in this type of patients.

Fibular Lengthening for Malunited Ankle Fractures

Malunited ankle fractures are uncommon. They produce symptoms of persistent pain, joint effusion, limitation of dorsiflexion and eventually lead to ankle arthritis. We feel that correction of the ankle alignment can improve the final outcome and present our results. From May 2004 to April 2006, seven patients with a malunited fibular fracture aged 25 to 62 years (male:female ratio, 5:2) were treated in our institute. All patients were referred for persistent pain. The delay between injury and the operative intervention was 3 to 16 months. All patients were assessed with a clinical examination, AOFAS ankle hindfoot score and plain radiographs. A transverse fibular osteotomy was made just above the ankle joint and below the tibiofibular syndesmosis. A tricortical iliac bone graft and a lateral fibular plate were applied. Fibular length and restoration of the ankle mortise was successful in all the cases. All patients showed radiological evidence of bony union on followup. The average AOFAS score was 82 (pain: 31, function: 41, and alignment: 10). Patients were followed up for an average period of 11 (range, 6 to 24) months after the surgery. We present our early experience with a simpler fibular osteotomy to correct the ankle joint alignment for malunited fibular fractures which was successful at short-term followup.

Fibular lengthening by Ilizarov method secondary to shortening by osteochondroma of distal tibia

Osteochondroma is the most common benign bone tumour. They most commonly affect the long tubular bones and almost half of osteochondromata are found around the knee. Osteochondroma arising from the distal metaphysis of the tibia typically result in a valgus deformity of the ankle joint secondary to relative shortening of the fibula. This case describes the use of Ilizarov technique for fibular lengthening following excision of a distal tibial osteochondroma. A 12-year-old girl presented with a 3-year history of a large swelling affecting the lateral aspect of the right distal tibia. Plain radiographs confirmed a large sessile osteochondroma arising from the postero-lateral aspect of the distal tibia with deformity of the fibula and 15 mm of fibular shortening. The patient underwent excision through a postero-lateral approach and subsequent fibular lengthening by Ilizarov technique. The patient made excellent recovery with removal of frame after 21 weeks and had made a full recovery with normal ankle function by 6 months. The Ilizarov method is a commonly accepted method of performing distraction osteogenesis for limb inequalities; however, this is mainly for the tibia, femur and humerus. We are unaware of any previous cases using the Ilizarov method for fibular lengthening. This case demonstrates the success of the Ilizarov method in restoring both fibular length and normal ankle anatomy.

Premature closure of distal fibular growth plate: a case of longitudinal syndesmosis instability

Post-traumatic premature closure of distal fibular growth plate is a rare entity and results in shortened lateral malleolus. This can lead to lateral wedging of distal tibial epiphysis, valgus ankle and medial ankle instability. Ramsey and Hamilton noted experimentally that loss of fibular length caused a dramatic lateral shift in tibiotalar surfaces. Even a displacement of as little as 1 mm will distort the areas of tibiotalar contact and lead to early joint degeneration. Colton believed it is due to the oblique articular surface of the malleolus is no longer closely applied to the talus. We present a case of premature closure of distal fibular physis with lateral malleolar shortening. Ankle arthroscopy demonstrated syndesmosis instability resulted from shortened lateral malleolus and stability restored after fibular lengthening.

Fibular lengthening procedure: treatment for lateral instability of the ankle caused by fibular insufficiency in Melnick–Needles syndrome

The Melnick–Needles syndrome (MNS) is a rare bone dysplasia with characteristic clinical and radiologic diagnostic findings. The diagnosis of MNS was made for the patient reported in this paper clinically and radiologic confirmation was done afterwards. Her left fibula was shorter than the right one. She had lateral insufficiency in her left ankle and could not bear weight on her left foot. A fibular length discrepancy of 2 cm was assessed. Her ankle–hindfoot score was 49 according to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) clinical rating system for ankle and hindfoot. Simple fibular lengthening was performed with a unilateral external fixator. Two centimetres of fibular lengthening was obtained in 14 weeks. Her AOFAS ankle–hindfoot score was 82 after 27 months of follow-up. Ankle stability and plantigrade foot were achieved and the result was satisfactory.

Management of Ankle Deformities in Multiple Hereditary Osteochondromata

Nine patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromata underwent ankle surgery for valgus deformity. The indications for operation included pain from trauma of the prominent masses, pain in the ankle joint associated with the deformity, limited ankle motion, and undesirable cosmesis. The procedures included excision of osteochondromata, fibular lengthening, and medial tibial hemiepiphyseal retardation by inserting staples. Excision of osteochondromata as an isolated procedure relieved pain and improved cosmesis but did not alter the tibiofibular length discrepancy or the ankle valgus. Lengthening of the fibula and medial tibial hemiepiphyseal stapling, alone or in combination, corrected the valgus deformity of the ankle. At final follow-up (mean 43 months), no patient had pain or functional impairment.

Management of Ankle Deformities in Multiple Hereditary Osteochondromata

Nine patients with multiple hereditary osteochondromata underwent ankle surgery for valgus deformity. The indications for operation included pain from trauma of the prominent masses, pain in the ankle joint associated with the deformity, limited ankle motion, and undesirable cosmesis. The procedures included excision of osteochondromata, fibular lengthening, and medial tibial hemiepiphyseal retardation by inserting staples. Excision of osteochondromata as an isolated procedure relieved pain and improved cosmesis but did not alter the tibiofibular length discrepancy or the ankle valgus. Lengthening of the fibula and medial tibial hemiepiphyseal stapling, alone or in combination, corrected the valgus deformity of the ankle. At final follow-up (mean 43 months), no patient had pain or functional impairment.

Multiple Hereditary Osteochondromata

Multiple hereditary osteochondromata is a disorder consisting of multiple projections of bone (exostoses) capped by cartilage. The lesions are most numerous in the metaphyses of long bones but may appear on diaphyses of long bones and on flat bones and vertebrae. The transmission is autosomal dominant. Sarcomatous transformation is uncommon and probably occurs in fewer than 1% of patients. The more common indications for surgical excision of lesions are pain, growth disturbance, compromised joint motion, cosmesis, and secondary impingement of tendon, nerve, or vessel. Excision of the lesions is effective in relieving pain, improving cosmesis and joint motion, and removing secondary impingement of tendon, nerve, or vessel, and may retard or prevent progressive disturbance of osseous growth. Wrist and ankle deformities are often associated with relative shortening and bowing of the ulna and fibula, respectively; tilt and tapering of the distal radial and tibial epiphyses; and distal radioulnar and tibio-fibular diastasis. These deformities can be effectively treated by ulnar and fibular lengthening combined with hemiphyseal stapling of the distal radius and tibia. Progressive genu valgum is well corrected by placement of staples over the medial side of the physis of the distal femur or proximal tibia or both.