Clinical spectrum of congenital tibial hemimelia in 35 limbs of 24 patients: A single center observational study from India

Amputation vs Reconstruction in Type IV Tibial Hemimelia: Functional Outcomes and Description of a Novel Surgical Technique

Introduction

The management of tibial hemimelia can be complex and involve either amputation or reconstruction. The decision made carries significant implications on patients and their families. This is a case series in the management of Type IV tibial hemimelia with a description of a novel surgical technique in the reconstructive arm of the pathway.

Materials and methods

The study included four patients with bilateral tibial hemimelia have an amputation in one limb and reconstructive surgery on the other. The reconstruction involved a supratalar double osteotomy of the tibia and fibula, followed by a staged hindfoot osteotomy using a circular ring fixator. Functional outcomes are reported using the Special Interest Group in Amputee Medicine (SIGAM) and the short form 12 (SF-12) methods.

Results

The mean age of patients in our cohort is 14 years (3-27 years) with mean age of surgery at 3 years. One case had an amputation following initial reconstructive surgery due to psychological distress and regressive behaviour. SIGAM functional outcome scores of F were recorded in three of four cases, with one patient performing at level B. On the reconstructive side, two of three patients reported a mean physical short form 12 (SF-12) score of 56.7 and a mental SF-12 score of 55.7. One patient reported a physical SF-12 score of 28.5 and a mental SF-12 score of 30.3.

Discussion and conclusion

A reconstructive option provides a satisfactory functional outcome, comparable to the population mean, in the majority of patients in our cohort.

Clinical significance

A staged supratalar double osteotomy followed later by a hindfoot osteotomy is effective in centralising the ankle and creates a plantigrade weight-bearing platform for ambulation in patients with Type IV tibial hemimelia.

How to cite this article

Tang CH, Addar A, Fernandes JA. Amputation vs Reconstruction in Type IV Tibial Hemimelia: Functional Outcomes and Description of a Novel Surgical Technique. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(1):32-36.

Bilateral Calcaneus Transfers for the Treatment of Congenital Tibial Deficiencies: A Novel Surgical Technique and Case Report

Tibial deficiency (also known as tibial hemimelia) is a rare condition with variable presentation. A 2-month-old patient presented with absent bilateral tibias. When the patient was 1 year, a novel reconstructive surgery was done. A bilateral fibular resection with pedicled calcaneus transfer was done, allowing for transfer of the calcaneus along with the overlying glabrous skin and soft tissues to the end of the femur. The patient was permitted to weight-bear after the 4-week postoperative follow-up. At the six-month follow-up, the patient was able to pull to stand and walk with assistance without any reports of pain.

Deformity Reconstruction Surgery for Tibial Hemimelia

Tibial hemimelia is a rare congenital deficiency with a wide spectrum of pathology and deformity. This paper aims to give a comprehensive review of tibial hemimelia, with a concise summary of the history, pathology, and clinical findings of tibial hemimelia, while providing treatment recommendations and a review of the current literature. Classifications and surgical treatments are discussed, including amputation, limb reconstruction, and lengthening. Type-specific treatments are also discussed, including staged distraction correction of joint contractures of knee and ankle, Weber patelloplasty, fibular centralization, knee and ankle arthrodesis, implantable articulated distractors, and the role of femoral shortening. Amputation is a simpler and easier solution for many patients; however, reconstruction options continue to evolve, improve, and provide better functional outcomes in many cases. Factors favoring surgical reconstruction include the presence of a knee joint/proximal tibia, and the presence of a patella and quadriceps mechanism.