Am, Noorhuda and BH, Mohd Hazrul Hazwan and G, Shanmugapragash and N, Mohd Luqman and Mohd Yusof, Nazri and Sulong, Ahmad Fadzli and Ahmad Alwi, Akmal Azim
  
(2021)
Tibialization of fibula, conquering tibia nonunion with large bony defect.
    International Journal of Allied Health Science (IJAHS), 5 (4).
     p. 2294.
    
     E-ISSN 2600-8491
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
    
      
      
    
  
  
    
  
  
    Abstract
    We  present  a  case  of  childhood  non-union  of  tibia  with  fibula  hypertrophyand  equinus deformity of the right ankle. This is a case of a 47-year-old lady presenting with history of right tibia  fracture  that  was  complicated  with  osteomyelitis  at  the  age  of  3  years  old.  She  had multiple debridement done resulting with bone loss during childhood. She had recent acute trauma  to  the  right  knee,  and  worsening  bowing  of  the  right  leg  which  brought  her  to  the attention of reconstructive orthopaedic surgery team. On examination, she is walking with a short limp gait. There  are longitudinal scars  over anteromedial and lateral aspect of the leg. The  right  knee  is  hyperextended  at  about  10  degrees  with  valgus  deformity  and  multi ligamentous  laxity.  The  right  tibia  is  10cm  short.  The  right  ankle  is  in  fixed  equinus. Radiographic examination revealed atrophic non-union of midshaft right tibia, hypertrophic right fibula, and anterolateral bowing of the fibula. An ipsilateral 7cm vascularised fibula graft was transposed onto the right tibia and stabilized using 2mm intramedullary Kirschner wire and Ilizarov external fixator, considering poor soft tissue condition. Bony union was expedite using  iliac  bone  graft on  another  surgery.  Union  accomplished  well  within  a  year  from  first surgery.  Achilles  tendon  release  was  also  done  to  achieve  plantigrade  ankle.  A  better functional  outcome  could  have  been  achieved  following  a  limb  lengthening  procedure  once union  achieved,  which  patient  refused.  Ipsilateral  fibula  graft  avoided  morbidity  to  the contralateral limb. The utilization of hypertrophied vascularized fibular graft in conjunction with Kirschner wire and Ilizarov external fixator provides excellent mechanical and biological advantage. A good opportunity seized in managing a longstanding tibia non-union with large bony defect in adult patient.
  
  
  
  
  
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