Fibular bowing due to tibial shortening in isolated fracture of the tibia: Failure of late segmental fibulectomy to relieve ankle pain

Summary Fracture of the tibia with an intact fibula is prone to delayed and nonunion or varus malunion and, as a complication of the latter, late arthrosis of the ankle joint. A less well-known type of malunion is tibial shortening with fibular bowing due to relative fibular lengthening. We present such a case with chronic ankle pain. Late segmental fibulectomy failed to improve the symptoms. We recommend primary segmental fibulectomy in all isolated fractures of the tibial shaft in adults and adolescents, in order to forestall the early and late complications.     

Optimal location for fibular osteotomy to provide maximal compression to the tibia in the management of delayed union and hypertrophic non-union of the tibia

BackgroundTibial shaft fractures are the commonest long bone fracture, with early weight-bearing improving the rate of bony union. However, an intact fibula can act as a strut that splints the tibial segments and holds them apart. A fibular osteotomy, in which a 2.5 cm length of fibula is removed, has been used to treat delayed and hypertrophic non-union by increasing axial tibial loading. However, there is no consensus on the optimal site for the partial fibulectomy.MethodsNine leg specimens were obtained from formalin-embalmed cadavers. Transverse mid-shaft tibial fractures were created using an oscillating saw. A rig was designed to compress the legs with an adjustable axial load and measure the force within the fracture site in order to ascertain load transmission through the tibia over a range of weights. After 2.5cm-long fibulectomies were performed at one of three levels on each specimen, load transmission through the tibia was re-assessed. A beam structure model of the intact leg was designed to explain the findings.ResultsWith an intact fibula, mean tibial loading at 34 kg was 15.52 ± 3.26 kg, increasing to 17.42 ± 4.13 kg after fibular osteotomy. This increase was only significant where the osteotomy was performed proximal to or at the level of the tibial fracture. Modelling midshaft tibial loading using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory showed that 80.5% of the original force was transmitted through the tibia with an intact fibula, rising to 81.1% after a distal fibulectomy, and 100% with a proximal fibulectomy.ConclusionThis study describes a novel method of measuring axial tibial forces. We demonstrated that a fibular osteotomy increases axial tibial loading regardless of location, with the greatest increase after proximal fibular osteotomy. A contributing factor for this can be explained by a simple beam model. We therefore recommend a proximal fibular osteotomy when it is performed in the treatment of delayed and non-union of tibial midshaft fractures.     

骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效分析

背景：胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的发生率高,治疗困难,效果不理想。目前,骨缺损修复方法包括皮瓣覆盖＋自体骨移植术、异体骨或异种骨移植、带血供腓骨移植、骨延长和骨搬移术。目的：探讨骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效。方法：选取2010年9月至2014年9月收治的胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损患者40例,男24例,女16例;年龄18~64岁,平均（42.8±12.1）岁。将患者随机分成两组各20例,一组采用Orthofix单臂外固定延长架截骨延长,另一组采用Ilizarov环形外固定延长架截骨延长,术后随访对比两组患者的手术时间、手术出血量、HHS膝关节功能评分、Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评分。结果：Orthofix单臂外固定延长架的手术时间较短、手术出血量较少,与Ilizarov环形外固定延长架比较均有统计学差异（P〈0.05）。两组患者的术后HHS膝关节功能评分、Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评分均较术前有明显提高（P〈0.01）。结论：骨搬移术治疗胫骨骨折术后感染性大段骨缺损的疗效佳,可较好地改善患者的膝关节和踝关节功能。其中Orthofix单臂外固定延长架能减少手术创伤,安全性较高,但骨搬运过程中容易发生延长骨成角和偏移;Ilizarov环形外固定延长架的术中应用置入较多钢针,移动时可造成部分皮瓣坏死和血管损伤,应避免在皮瓣覆盖创面的胫骨大段骨缺损患者中使用。     

Staged Reconstruction of a Multiplane Post-traumatic Deformity: A Case Report

Damaging effects of joint function can occur after fractures of the lower extremity that have healed with an angular malunion. Surgical techniques have been described to restore the normal mechanics and establish a plantigrade foot, including osteotomy and fusion. In the present report, we describe a unique case of a 17-year-old male who had initially experienced a severe injury to his left lower extremity and foot when he had been run over by a jeep. Originally, a Lisfranc injury with navicular and cuboid fractures were surgically corrected. He had also sustained an extra-articular distal tibial and fibular fracture, which had been conservatively managed. Seven months after the initial incident, he underwent 3-staged reconstructive surgery because of a malaligned valgus ankle with fibular malunion and a painful collapsing pes planovalgus deformity. A supramalleolar tibial osteotomy with fibular lengthening was first performed, followed by triple arthrodesis with removal of hardware and then syndesmosis repair. The present report discusses our clinical evaluation and surgical technique for this multiplanar post-traumatic deformity.     

Reconstructive osteotomy of fibular malunion: review of the literature

The treatment of ankle fractures has a primary goal of restoring the full function of the injured extremity. Malunion of the fibula is the most common and most difficult ankle malunion to reconstruct. The most frequent malunions of the fibula are shortening and malrotation resulting in widening of the ankle mortise and talar instability, which may lead to posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The objective of this article is to review the literature concerning the results of osteotomies for correcting fibular malunions and to formulate recommendations for clinical practice. Based on available literature, corrective osteotomies for fibular malunion have good or excellent results in more than 75% of the patients. Reconstructive fibular osteotomy has been recommended to avoid or postpone sequela of posttraumatic degeneration, an ankle arthrodesis or supramalleolar osteotomy. The development of degenerative changes is not fully predictable; therefore, it is advisable to reconstruct a fibular malunion soon after the diagnosis is made and in presence of a good ankle function. Recommendations were made for future research because of the low level of evidence of available literature on reconstructive osteotomies of fibular malunions.     

Ankle Deformity Secondary to Acquired Fibular Segmental Defect in Children

Background

The authors report the long-term effect of acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula on ankle development in children during skeletal growth, and the results of a long-term follow-up of Langenskiold''s supramalleolar synostosis to correct an ankle deformity induced by an acquired fibular segmental defect in children.

Methods

Since 1980, 19 children with acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula were treated and followed up for an average of 11 years. Pseudoarthrosis was the result of a fibulectomy for tumor surgery, osteomyelitis of the fibula and traumatic segmental loss of the fibula in 10, 6, and 3 cases, respectively. Initially, a Langenskiold''s operation (in 4 cases) and fusion of the lateral malleolus to the distal tibial epiphysis (in 1 case) were performed, whereas only skeletal growth was monitored in the other 14 cases. After a mean follow-up of 11 years, the valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle joint associated with proximal migration of the lateral malleolus needed to be treated with a supramallolar osteotomy in 12 cases (63%). These ankle deformities were evaluated using the serial radiographs and limb length scintigraphs.

Results

In all cases, early closure of the lateral part of the distal tibial physis, upward migration of the lateral malleolus, unstable valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle joint developed during a mean follow-up of 11 years (range, 5 to 21 years). The mean valgus deformity and external tibial torsion of the ankle at the final follow-up were 15.2° (range, 5° to 35°) and 10° (range, 5° to 12°), respectively. In 12 cases (12/19, 63%), a supramalleolar corrective osteotomy was performed but three children had a recurrence requiring an additional supramalleolar corrective osteotomy 2-4 times.

Conclusions

A valgus deformity and external tibial torsion are inevitable after acquired pseudoarthrosis of the fibula in children. Both Langenskiöld supramalleolar synostosis to prevent these ankle deformities and supramalleolar corrective osteotomy to correct them in children are effective initially. However, both procedures cannot maintain the permanent ankle stability during skeletal maturity. Therefore any type of prophylactic surgery should be carried out before epiphyseal closure of the distal tibia occurs, but the possibility of a recurrence of the ankle deformities and the need for final corrective surgery after skeletal maturity should be considered.     

The significance of segmental fibular fractures in the management of associated tibial fractures

One hundred seventy-six patients with 179 tibial shaft fractures (between March 2003 and August 2007) with a minimum of 4 months follow up were retrospectively reviewed by the author. Twenty-nine of these fractures were found to have segmental fibular fractures. These 29 fractures were analysed and compared with the total of 179 tibial fractures. Segmental tibial fractures with and without segmental tibial comminution were also analysed and compared.The segmental fibular fracture group had a greater incidence of associated injuries, associated fractures, open tibial fractures, Gustilo III B type fractures, major flap procedures, bony infection and bone grafting procedures which was statistically significant. The coincidence of segmental fibular fractures and segmental tibial fracture with segmental comminution indicated a bad prognosis. Segmental fibular fracture (associated with tibial fracture) appear more severe injury than segmental tibial fracture.     

Changes in tibiofibular relationships due to growth disturbances after ankle fractures in children

We analyzed the longitudinal growth of the distal tibial and fibular physes and the longitudinal displacement of the distal metaphysis and epiphysis of the fibula relative to the distal metaphysis and epiphysis of the tibia during growth using a roentgenstereophotogrammetric technique in eight children: six with a traumatic growth disturbance in one or both of the distal tibial and distal fibular physes and two with a normal ankle. In the normal ankles the distal fibular metaphysis moved distally in relation to the distal tibial metaphysis and the growth in the distal fibular physis was slower than that in the distal tibial physis. Growth arrest in the distal fibular physis and continued growth in the distal tibial physis resulted in distal displacement of the fibular metaphysis relative to the tibial metaphysis, probably due to traction on the distal ligaments of the fibula or more rapid growth in the proximal fibular physis than in the proximal tibial physis, or both. Valgus deformity of the ankle developed when the growth of the distal tibial physis exceeded the distal sliding of the fibula, as shown by the stereophotogrammetric analyses and orthoroentgenograms. Growth arrest in the distal tibial physis and continued growth in the distal fibular physis resulted in proximal sliding of the fibula, as shown by the roentgenstereophotogrammetric analyses and serial orthoroentgenograms. This mechanism compensated to some extent for the overgrowth of the fibula. Simultaneous growth arrest in both the distal tibial and the distal fibular physis was associated with movement of the distal end of the fibula in a distal direction relative to the tibia, probably due to the more rapid growth in the proximal fibular physis than in the proximal tibial growth plate. Therefore, growth arrest of the distal tibial or fibular physis may result in either proximal or distal sliding of the fibular metaphysis in relation to the tibial metaphysis. Probably growth arrest in the distal fibular physis has a less favorable prognosis than arrest in the distal tibial physis, because after tibial arrest proximal sliding of the fibula may compensate for overgrowth of the fibula better than distal sliding of the fibula can compensate for fibular arrest and overgrowth of the tibia.     

Stabilisation of the fractured fibula plays an important role in the treatment of pilon fractures: a retrospective comparison of fibular fixation methods

Ninety-eight pilon fractures associated with ipsilateral distal fibular fracture were included in this study. The pilon fractures were treated by open reduction and plating. The 98 fractures were divided into three groups based on the treatment method of fractured fibula. Group A was composed of 50 fibular fractures treated by open reduction and plate fixation. Group B was composed of 23 fibular fractures treated by open reduction and pin fixation. Group C was composed of 25 fibular fractures treated conservatively by closed reduction. The radiographs were reviewed for adequacy of fracture reduction and posttraumatic arthrosis. At the end of follow-up, the clinical outcomes were evaluated using a rating scale. The three groups were similar in respect to Ruedi type, open fracture grade, and demographics (all p values >0.25). Group A showed a decreasing trend of malunion and ankle arthrosis compared to group C (p = 0.091 and p = 0.099, respectively). Group A had a better clinical outcome than group C (p = 0.008). In addition, group A showed an increasing trend of satisfactory outcome compared to group B (p = 0.096). In conclusion, for pilon fractures associated with ipsilateral fibular fractures, stabilisation of the fractured fibula plays an important role in the decrease of distal tibial malunion and post-traumatic ankle arthrosis as well as improvement of clinical outcomes.     

Combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screw fixation of osteoporotic fractures: a clinical evaluation of operative strategy

BACKGROUND: Internal fixation of osteoporotic ankle fractures is technically difficult and may fail because of unreliable purchase. This study was undertaken to determine if a combination of a hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws can provide secure fixation until fracture union. METHODS: Thirty-one patients between the ages of 55 and 90 years had open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures between April, 2001, and April, 2003. Sixteen patients with an average age of 71.4 years had ankle fracture fixation with a combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws for the distal fibular fracture, and 15 patients with an average age of 71.9 years had fixation of their ankle fractures with standard fixation technique using AO/ASIF principles but no tibial pro-fibular screws. All patients were followed with clinical and radiologic assessment at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively. At an average of 15.8 months after injury, patients also completed a mailed questionnaire with the Olerud-Molander ankle score and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score for preoperative and postoperative status. RESULTS: All patients who had tibial pro-fibular screw fixation had fracture union without hardware failure or complications. In the standard fixation group two patients had wound breakdown and one had a valgus malunion with screw pull out. The AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores for the standard open reduction and internal fixation were 57.3 and 82.8 before injury and 37 and 43.8 postoperatively, respectively. The AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores for the hook plate and tibial pro-fibular fixation group were 55.9 and 81.3 before injury and 42.4 and 50.3 postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws in osteoporotic ankle fractures in a series of patients has not been reported before. This novel technique provides stable fixation for osteoporotic ankle fractures in elderly patients until union is achieved with good clinical scores.     

A method of determining the angular malalignments of the knee and ankle joints resulting from a tibial malunion

Malalignments of the knee and ankle joints resulting from tibial angular malunion can be determined using mathematical analysis. The angular deformity of the tibia is equal to the sum of the angular malalignments formed by the knee and ankle joints in relation to the horizontal plane. These malalignments are not equal. A larger percentage of the deformity is reflected inferiorly as the deformity approaches the ankle joint. A table was formulated to provide the corresponding degrees of joint malalignment (knee and ankle) for tibial angular deformities at different positions along the tibia. The analysis provides a useful tool to quantify the knee and ankle joint malalignments secondary to tibial angular malunion. Although designation of prognosis at different degrees of angular deformity is beyond the scope of this study, it does provide improved correlation between tibial angular deformities and the clinical outcome, e.g., degenerative arthroses of the adjacent joints, in future studies on tibial fractures.     

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.     

Screw distraction technique for gaining fibular length

Shortening of fibular length is most commonly secondary to fracture, especially in cases of malreduction, malunion or nonunion. In the presence of deltoid ligament incompetence, a shortened fibula causes lateral talar shift, widening of the mortise, decreased tibiotalar contact area and increased incidence of post-traumatic arthrosis. Restoring fibular length is important for normal anatomic relationships and kinematics of the ankle joint. While several techniques have been described for restoring length, some limitations exist.We describe an alternative surgical technique that is straightforward and reproducible that allows for restoration of fibular length and rotation.     

The association between fibular status and frontal plane tibial alignment post-union in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

PurposeControversy exists regarding fibular status related to tibial alignment after congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) achieves union. We aimed to determine whether fibular status affected frontal plane tibial alignment post-CPT union.MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2013, we followed 36 patients treated using a combined surgical technique (mean 6.6 years (2.2 to 9.4)). Outcome measures comprised medial proximal tibial angle, tibial diaphyseal angulation, lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA), relative intramedullary rod length and relative fibula length discrepancy.ResultsThe frequency of proximal tibial valgus deformity and ankle valgus deformity were significantly lower in the fibular integrity group than in the fibular un-integrity group (proximal tibial valgus deformity: 2/17 versus 11/19; p = 0.006; ankle valgus deformity: 10/17 versus 18/19; p = 0.016). The mean LDTA was notably higher in the fibular integrity group than in the fibular un-integrity group (81.2° (sd 6.7°) versus 71.3° (sd 6.6°); p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed in relative fibula length discrepancy between patients with fibular integrity (0.06 (0 to 0.11); Malhotra grade 0, n = 6; Malhotra grade I, n = 11) and those without (0.24 (0.01 to 0.36); Malhotra grade 2, n = 2; Malhotra grade 3, n = 17; p < 0.001). Ankle valgus deformity had a significant positive correlation with proximal tibial valgus deformity (r = 0.402; p = 0.015). Patients with an intact and normal length fibula had a lower frequency of ankle valgus deformity than those with an intact but shortening fibula (1/6 versus 9/11; p = 0.035).ConclusionShortening or pseudarthrosis of the fibula was associated with ankle valgus and proximal tibial valgus deformities post-CPT union.Level of evidenceIII     

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.     

Knee laxity associated with a proximal diaphyseal tibial and fibular fracture

If operative treatment of a proximal diaphyseal tibial and fibular fracture is required, in most cases, it involves reduction and stabilization of only the tibial fracture. In this case report, after stabilization of the tibial fracture with an intramedullary nail, the patient continued to demonstrate significant varus knee laxity, despite an intact proximal tibiofibular joint and undisplaced fibular head. The stability of the knee was achieved only with internal fixation of the segmental fibular fracture. This case shows the importance of assessing knee laxity in all cases of proximal tibial and fibular fractures.     

Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures: the role of fibular fixation

Distal tibial extra-articular fractures are often a result of complex high-energy trauma, which commonly involves associated fibular fractures and soft tissue injury. The goal of tibial fixation is to maximise fracture stability without increasing soft tissue morbidity from surgical intervention. The role of adjunctive fibular fixation in distal tibial metaphyseal fractures has been controversial; although fibular fixation has been shown to improve stability of distal tibial fractures, there has been increased potential for soft tissue-related complications and a delay to tibial fracture healing. Adjunctive fixation of concomitant fibular fractures without associated syndesmotic or ankle pathology is not necessary in surgically stabilised extra-articular metaphyseal fractures of the distal tibia.     

The incidence, therapy and results of combined ankle joint and tibial shaft fractures

Forty combined tibial shaft and ankle fractures were admitted to our Trauma Department between 1980 and 1985; these cases were followed up, and the results are presented. Using the classification scheme of Johner/Wruhs for lower-leg fractures and that of Lauge-Hansen for ankle fractures, we found 25 pronation-eversion and 14 supination-eversion lesions combined with pure spiral fractures (A1, 9 cases), spiral bending-type fractures (B1, 25 cases), comminuted spiral lesions (C1, 5 cases), and 1 crush fracture (C3). Although no fibular or ligamentous reconstruction had been done and various methods had been used, overall, the late results were good. In contrast to previous reports about this rare condition, no incongruencies at the ankle joint were found. Only 2 cases of late arthritis due to infection and/or improper reduction were seen. Nevertheless, the importance of thorough analysis of the fracture pathomechanics before treatment cannot be overemphasized. If anatomical reduction of the tibial shaft fracture does not imply congruency at the joint line, reconstruction of the fibular or ligamentous lesion should be undertaken.     

Stress fractures of the ankle and forefoot in patients with inflammatory arthritides

Twenty-four stress fractures occurring in the metatarsal bones and ankle region were examined in 17 patients with inflammatory arthritides. There were 16 metatarsal, four distal fibular, two distal tibial, and two calcaneus fractures. Radiographic analyses were performed to determine the presence of possible predisposing factors for stress fractures. Metatarsal and ankle region stress fractures were analyzed separately. Stress fractures occurred most frequently in the second and third metatarsals. In metatarsal fractures, there was a trend for varus alignment of the ankle to cause fractures of the lateral metatarsal bones and valgus alignment of the medial metatarsal bones. Valgus deformity of the ankle was present in patients with distal fibular fractures in the ankle region group. Calcaneus fractures showed neutral ankle alignment. Malalignment of the ankle and hindfoot is often present in distal tibial, fibular, and metatarsal stress fractures. Additionally, patients tend to have long disease histories with diverse medication, reconstructive surgery and osteoporosis. If such patients experience sudden pain, tenderness, or swelling in the ankle region, stress fractures should be suspected and necessary examinations performed.     

Effect of fibular plate fixation on rotational stability of simulated distal tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing

BACKGROUND: The effect of an intact fibula on rotational stability after a distal tibial fracture has, to the best of our knowledge, not been clearly defined. We designed a cadaver study to clarify our clinical impression that fixation of the fibula with a plate increases rotational stability of distal tibial fractures fixed with a Russell-Taylor intramedullary nail. METHODS: Seven matched pairs of embalmed human cadaveric legs and sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric legs, including one matched pair, were tested. To simulate fractures, 5-mm transverse segmental defects were created at the same level in the tibia and fibula, 7 cm proximal to the ankle joint in each bone. The tibia was stabilized with a 9-mm Russell-Taylor intramedullary nail that was statically locked with two proximal and two distal screws. Each specimen was tested without fibular fixation as well as with fibular fixation with a six-hole semitubular plate. A biaxial mechanical testing machine was used in torque control mode with an initial axial load of 53 to 71 N applied to the tibial condyle. Angular displacement was measured in 0.56-N-m torque increments to a maximal torque of 4.52 N-m (40 in-lb). RESULTS: Initially, significantly less displacement (p < or = 0.05) was produced in the specimens with fibular plate fixation than in those without fibular plate fixation. The difference in angular displacement between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation was established at the first torque data point measured but did not increase as the torque was increased. No significant difference in the rotational stiffness was found between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation after measurement of the second torque data point (between 1.68 and 4.48 N-m). CONCLUSIONS: Fibular plate fixation increased the initial rotational stability after distal tibial fracture compared with that provided by tibial intramedullary nailing alone. However, there was no difference in rotational structural stiffness between the specimens treated with and without plate fixation as applied torque was increased.