Hemicallotasis for correction of XXXX of the proximal tibia using a unilateral external fixator.

@entity1 @entity85 @entity2689 @entity5249
BACKGROUND: Gradual correction of @entity85 of the proximal tibia is generally accepted and produces good results. However, most studies have used circular external fixators, which are complex and cause @entity1 discomfort. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of hemicallotasis with a unilateral external fixator for correction of @entity85 of the proximal tibia. METHODS: Thirteen @entity1 (21 legs, 8 bilateral) were included in this study: 6 with constitutional bowing, 3 with a malunion, 2 with @entity5249 , and 2 with @entity2689 . There were 7 males and 6 females of mean age 21 years (range 13-40). With an oblique osteotomy on the proximal tibia, a unilateral external fixator was placed on the medial side. Using a distraction of 1 mm/day, the external fixator was removed after consolidation of the callus. RESULTS: Surgery corrected medial proximal tibia angle from a preoperative average of 75.1   (64  -81  ) to 88.6   (86  -90  ) at final follow-up. Average tibiofemoral angle improved from -7   to 6.8  . The duration of external fixation averaged 101.3 days and the external fixation index was 70 days/cm. No @entity1 had a limited ambulation, and all recovered preoperative range of knee motion (mean 130.1  ) at final follow-up. Seven minor complications (pin tract infection, clamp loosening) and 1 major complication (uncorrected genu procurvatum) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Hemicallotasis using a unilateral external fixator was found to be a safe and simple corrective procedure for @entity85 of the proximal tibia, with few complications.
