Rotationplasty--a unique surgical procedure with a functional outcome

ROTATIONPLASTY is a surgical procedure that may be appropriate for children with severe congenital femoral deficiency or children with malignant tumors of the femur or proximal tibia. OSTEOTOMIES AND RESECTION of the femur and tibia are performed, allowing the patient's foot to be rotated 180 degrees and reattached while preserving the nerves, muscles, and blood supply. THE POSTERIOR-FACING FOOT functions as the patient's knee joint in a specially fitted prosthesis. Although the outcome is visually unusual, for some children, regaining function and physical capabilities outweighs cosmetic concerns. The surgical procedure is technically challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach.