Congenital Pseudoarthrosis of Tibia With Anterolateral Bowing Treated With Ilizarov Ring Fixator: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Oct 24;15(10):e47615. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47615. eCollection 2023 Oct.

Abstract

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare, dysplastic condition that is characterized by a "false joint" in the tibia, leading to potential disability. We present a rare case report of a 12-year-old male from India with a history of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and anterolateral bowing of the tibia since birth. He sustained a tibial fracture during play. X-ray evaluation confirmed the fracture, and a clinical diagnosis of CPT was established. The treatment involved corticotomy for deformity correction and stabilization using Ilizarov's ring fixation. The procedure was successful, with post-operative radiological evaluations showing significant improvement in the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) from 60° pre-operatively to 25° post-operatively. The patient was discharged with an external fixator and after seven months, transitioned to full weight-bearing ambulation with a specialized brace. The Ilizarov procedure proved to be a safe and effective treatment for CPT, offering benefits such as limb lengthening and ankle stabilization.

Keywords: children; complications; congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia; india; neurofibromatosis 1; surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports