Ilizarov lengthening in centralized fibula

Tibial hemimelia often produces major limb length problems (1,6,9,15) as we ll as foot deformity. The decision to perform reconstructive surgery depend s on the expected leg-length discrepancy, the anomalies of the fool, and th e status of the knee (4,6,8,15). Congenital bone deficiencies usually have a constant rate of growth inhibition (8), and leg lengthening is often asso ciated with more complications (5,13). The complication rate is also increa sed with the increased leg-length discrepancy (5). In tibial hemimelia with functioning quadriceps (types I I and II) and a functional foot, centraliz ation of the fibula onto the talus and synostosis with the proximal tibia i s an accepted reconstructive procedure (1,4,6,7,9,15). However, when the tr ansplanted fibula produces a functional limb for the patient, the correctio n of leg-length inequality would be a challenge. This is a report of such a case.