Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Fibula: Controlling Ankle Valgus in a Heterogenous Condition

Refracture, a Potential Complication of the Periosteal Flap Technique Without Bone Graft for Isolated Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the Fibula: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

It is a rare condition defined by congenital pseudarthrosis of the fibula (CPF), which may be associated with neurofibromatosis (NF) and congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. A condition such as this may be symptomatic or asymptomatic, but it requires treatment because of the progression of signs such as ankle valgus and pseudarthrosis of the tibia. There are a number of surgical techniques that can be used to treat this condition, such as tibiofibular fusion, internal fixation, the Ilizarov method, and periosteal flap.

AIM

The goal of this study was to describe the treatment results of two patients with CPF using vascularized fibular periosteal flaps.

CASE REPORT

We described the case of a 5-year-old patient and a 19-month-old patient with isolated CPF. Both patients underwent a distal-based vascularized fibular periosteal flap, and intramedullary fixation was used to treat the patients.

CONCLUSION

The patients had full union in the pseudarthrosis site, but in the end, both had asymptomatic refracture in the union site. Our experiences showed that it is necessary to use strong intramedullary fixation and bone graft.

Analysis of related factors of behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

METHODS:

Random sampling is utilized to obtain a sample of 90 patients. The behavioral problems of the patients are detected by Achenbach Children's Behavior Scale. Parental emotional problems are investigated by the Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale.

RESULTS:

The results demonstrate that the detection rate of behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is 53.3% (48/90). Among these behavioral problems, an abnormal rate is higher in the four dimensions: thinking, violation of discipline, social interaction, and aggression. The anxiety and depression scores of caregivers are statistically higher in the abnormal group than in the normal group. The results of the multivariate analysis show that the anxiety degree of the parents had a significant impact on the behavior of the children.

CONCLUSIONS:

Children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia are facing the issues of high rates of behavioral problems. Parents of children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia had higher levels of anxiety and depression than parents of normal children. The anxiety and depressive state of mind of parents or caregivers had a significant impact on the behavior of children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.