Abstract
Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia remains difficult to treat. With variable success, children are subjected to many surgical procedures. We review our experience using titanium elastic nails in this condition.
We have treated 10 patients, six boys and four girls. Five had associated neurofibromatosis and pseudarthrosis of the fibula. In seven children, a mean of four previous operations had been done. The mean follow-up time was 4 years.
In our patients, union occurred at a mean of 18 weeks, with a mean limb length discrepancy of 3 cm. The range of movement in the knee and ankle was good.
Our early results are encouraging.
Secretary: Dr H.J.S. Colyn, Editor: Professor M.B.E. Sweet. Correspondence should be addressed to SAOA, Box 47363, Parklands, Johannesburg, 2121, South Africa.
