Insufficiency fracture of the distal femur during ilizarov treatment for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Abstract

Background: Patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) usually have significant limb length discrepancy that requires lengthening. In the presence of generalized osteopenia in CPT patients, insufficiency fractures of distal femur can occur during lengthening. No reports in the literature have described this complication and its management. Patients and Methods: We report three cases of CPT with distal femur insufficiency fracture during the treatment by Ilizarov frame. The fracture was minimally displaced. Under general anesthesia, traction and manipulation for fracture reduction were done. A cast was wrapped around the thigh, then three rods were added to the proximal ring to surround the thigh, and then another cast was used to connect the rods and the first cast. Results: In these three cases, healing of the fracture was achieved within 7 weeks without any complications, and the management of CPT continued as planned. Conclusion: The new technique provides a stable construct based on the already mounted frame; thus, healing of the fracture is achieved in a simple, easy, and cheap way with no documented complications.

Keywords

• congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia
• distal femur fracture
• ilizarov lengthening
• insufficiency fracture
• neurofibromatosis
• osteopenia