Valgus deformity after fibular resection in children

The authors present a retrospective study of 23 patients in their growing period who underwent resection of more than 2 cm of the fibula. Long-term effects in the ankle and tibia were analyzed. The patients were radiologically studied using the contralateral side as control. Representative radiologic findings were distal migration of the fibula head in 75% (but without clinical relevance), thickening of the external tibial cortex in 20%, talar tilt in 45%, proximal migration of the lateral malleolus in 55%, and diaphyseal valgus of the tibia in 20% of the cases. Incomplete regeneration of fibula was observed in 58% of the cases. Two patients suffered a spiral diaphyseal fracture and another a slow physeal fracture of the distal tibia. In this study, many radiologic changes were observed after fibula resection. The authors suggest using reconstruction methods after fibula resection when it is possible.