The results and complications of bifocal tibial osteotomies with gradual correction and lengthening by Ilizarov ring fixator performed in 47 tibiae in 24 achondroplastic patients were analyzed. Comparison was made between the parameters of angular and torsional deformities of the tibia preoperatively, at fixator removal, and at last follow-up. Of these parameters, statistically significant change was seen postoperatively in the values of medial proximal tibial angle, lateral distal tibial angle, mechanical axis deviation, and tibial torsion, which changed from 78.8 +/- 7.05 degrees, 103.2 +/- 11.8 degrees, 25.1 +/- 14.6 mm (medial), and 22.7 +/- 10 degrees (internal) preoperatively to 87.3 +/- 6.3 degrees, 90.9 +/- 5.4 degrees, 5.3 +/- 10 cm (medial), and 15.8 +/- 4.2 degrees (external), respectively, at the time of fixator removal; and this correction was maintained during the follow-up period. Mean total tibial lengthening was 6.84 +/- 1.3 cm. Average healing index was 26.06 days/cm. Complications observed were 15 pin tract infections, 1 residual varus, 1 overcorrection into valgus, 2 recurrence of varus, 22 equinus contractures, 2 premature consolidations, and 3 fibula malalignments. Recurrence of varus was observed in limbs with a residual abnormal medial mechanical axis deviation due to femoral deformity. A hundred percent incidence of equinus was observed in limbs with tibial lengthening of more than 40%, with distal tibial lengthening of more than 15%. To minimize the risk for occurrence of equinus, we recommend restriction of distal tibial lengthening in achondroplasia to less than 15%, although total tibial lengthening may exceed 40%. Fibula malalignment was not observed after double fibula osteotomy. This procedure is safe and efficacious if performed with strict adherence to prescribed technique.

Background:Treatment of Congenital Psuedarthrosis of Tibia (CPT) often poses significant challenges due to difficulty in achieving union and subsequent complications like refractures, implant failures, etc. Our new comprehensive protocol is aimed at achieving crossunion between the tibia and fibula.Aims and objectives:The aim of the present study is to evaluate the short-term results of our new protocol and to compare the results with our previously used techniques.Materials and Methods:10 patients with mean age 2.35 years (1 to 6.5 years) who were treated by our new comprehensive protocol were included in Group A, and 11 patients with mean age 2 years (1 to 5.5 years) who primarily underwent intramedullary rodding with bone graft were included in Group B. The new comprehensive protocol consisted of pre-operative Zolendronate infusion, surgery consisting of intramedullary fixation of tibia supplemented with Ilizarov ring fixator and bone grafting aimed at achieving tibia-fibula cross-union. Retrospective evaluation of serial radiographs was performed and outcomes with respect to union and subsequent complications were analysed.Results:10/10 (100%) patients in Group A united, whereas union was achieved in only 8/11 (72%) patients in Group B. The index surgery was successful in achieving union in all 10 patients in Group A, whereas in Group B 2.25 (1 to 4) surgeries were needed to achieve union. The time to union was significantly shorter in Group A (4.68 months) as compared to Group B (30.88 months). The cross sectional area of union was significantly greater in Group A (3.82 cm2) as compared to Group B (1.18 cm2). One patient in Group A needed a subsequent corrective osteotomy for tibial valgus, and one patient underwent tibia lengthening; whereas in Group B, two patients needed corrective osteotomes for residual malaligments.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that the new comprehensive protocol is extremely effective for achieving sound union in Congenital Pseudarthrosis of Tibia.

Background: Various treatment modalities are available for the correction of crouch gait, ranging from hamstring lengthening to a combination of soft-tissue and bony procedures. We report the results of distal femoral extension osteotomy (DFEO) fixed with 90° pediatric condylar locking compression plate (LCP) and patellar tendon advancement (PTA) for crouch gait in children with cerebral palsy. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients (52 knees) with a mean age of 14.36 years (range 11.6–20 years) who presented with crouch gait were treated with DFEO and PTA. Patients were analyzed prospectively using clinical (knee flexion deformity, knee range of motion, extensor lag), functional (modified Ashworth, Tardieu scores, muscle strength, gross motor functional classification system [GMFCS], functional mobility scale [FMS], gross motor functional measure [GMFM]) and radiological (Koshino Index) outcome measures and followed up at a mean of 22 months (range 12–53 months). Results: There was an improvement in all outcome measures postoperatively, with improved function and independence. The mean knee flexion deformity improved significantly from 20.7° ± 6.59 to 0.67° ± 2.62, mean muscle strength of quadriceps improved from 3.01 ± 0.5 to 3.5 ± 0.54 and mean extensor lag improved from 20° ± 7.14 to 4.13° ± 4.16. The mean Koshino Index improved from 1.4 ± 0.16 to 1.0 ± 0.08. The mean GMFM-D improved from 15.58 ± 6.2 to 26.31 ± 5.8 and mean FMS for 5 m improved from 2.9 ± 1.09 to 3.6 ± 0.84, indicating significant improvement in household ambulation. There were four complications; transient peroneal nerve palsy in 3 patients, which recovered completely and 1 superficial wound dehiscence. There was no loss of fixation, tendon pull-out or deep infection. Conclusion: The combined procedure of DFEO and PTA can correct knee flexion deformity, restore knee extensor strength, and improve function in patients with crouch gait. The pediatric condylar LCP provides stable fixation to allow early mobilization and faster rehabilitation.

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