Management of congenital fibular deficiency by Ilizarov technique

Between April 1987 and January 1990, 11 patients with congenital fibular deficiency underwent tibial lengthening of 12 involved limbs by the Ilizarov technique. The average follow-up was 23.2 months. The mean lengthening was 8.3 cm, representing an average lengthening of 31%. No knee or ankle subluxation occurred despite preoperative cruciate ligament laxity and ankle abnormalities in all patients. The most significant complications included regenerate bone deformation and delayed consolidation. With the Ilizarov technique, the limb length discrepancy, angular and rotational deformities, and foot and ankle deformities frequently associated with congenital fibular deficiency can be addressed simultaneously.