Tibial hemimelia and femoral bifurcation

Fatty filum terminale and low-lying conus medullaris in Gollop-Wolfgang complex: a case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND/IMPORTANCE

Gollop-Wolfgang complex is a rare skeletal dysplasia with only 200 cases reported in the literature. This disorder is usually associated with several extraosseous anomalies. This report describes the first case of a fatty filum terminale and a low-lying conus medullaris in a patient with this complex. A review of the current literature of the Gollop-Wolfgang complex accompanies this case, highlighting the documented extraosseous anomalies seen in this complex.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We report a case of an 18-month-old patient with Gollop-Wolfgang complex who underwent cord untethering with release of the filum terminale after extensive workup showed the presence of a dyssynergic bladder and radiological evaluation revealed a fatty filum terminale and low-lying conus medullaris.

CONCLUSION

Gollop-Wolfgang complex is a skeletal dysplasia usually associated with several extra skeletal anomalies. Our report describes the first case of a fatty filum terminale and low-lying conus medullaris in this complex, as well as provides an overview of the documented anomalies seen in this disorder. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended when treating these infants in order to ensure that occult manifestations of the complex are not missed.

A Case of Isolated Bilateral Femoral Bifurcation in Saudi Arabia

Bifurcation of the femur is a rare congenital orthopedic anomaly that is usually accompanied by tibial agenesis. Femoral bifurcation has been a part of the Gollop-Wolfgang complex criteria, which also include the tibia and fibula deformities with or without other variant abnormalities. Approximately 200 cases have been reported worldwide. This article presents a case of isolated bilateral distal femur bifurcation in a three-and-a-half-year-old girl who presented with abnormal gait and bilateral knee contractures. Extensive studies were performed to aid an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan, including clinical history, physical examination, laboratory, and other investigations. After multiple consultations from different specialties, a gradual deformity correction was suggested as a treatment of choice. To our knowledge, there is a paucity of reported cases in the medical literature. Further research and case reporting are essential to better define the pathogenesis, prognosis, and treatment of such conditions.

Congenital Tibial Deficiency

Congenital tibial deficiency is a rare condition characterized by partial to complete absence of the tibia, an intact but frequently overgrown fibula, variable degrees of knee deformity and function, and an abnormal equinovarus foot. It can occur in isolation but also presents concurrently with other orthopaedic anomalies and syndromic conditions. Among these, congenital abnormalities of the hand and femur are most commonly observed. Many theories exist regarding its etiology and some genetic mutations have been identified; however, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. The prognosis and treatment differ based on the clinical severity. The goal of treatment is always to create a stable, functional limb, most commonly with amputation and use of prosthetics. Controversy exists over the level of amputation and the usefulness of reconstructive procedures to preserve the foot and limb length. Current investigation on this complex disorder is focused on identifying its origins and further developing a classification-based treatment algorithm to improve patient outcomes.

Limb salvage treatment for Gollop-Wolfgang complex (femoral bifurcation, complete tibial hemimelia, and hand ectrodactyly)

We reported the findings from three patients with Gollop-Wolfgang complex and demonstrated the results of five limb salvage treatments for this condition. All three femoral bifurcations were accompanied by ipsilateral complete tibial hemimelia. Two patients showed contralateral complete or partial tibial hemimelia, and one patient had hand ectrodactyly. The five limb salvage treatments included resection of the anteromedial bifurcated femur in three limbs, foot centralization in five limbs, tibiofibular fusion in one limb with partial tibial hemimelia, fibular transfer (Brown's procedure) in three limbs with complete tibial hemimelia, and callus distraction lengthening in one limb. The duration from the first operation to the final follow-up ranged from 3.5 to 5.4 years. None of the three knees treated by fibular transfer achieved a successful functional result, but all of the knees were ultimately able to withstand weight bearing. Early knee disarticulation and resection of the protruded bifurcated femur, followed by fitting of a modern prosthesis is likely to be the best treatment for patients with Gollop-Wolfgang syndrome. We note that limb salvage treatment is an alternative in patients who opt to retain their feet and refuse amputation.