[Malalignment following injuries of the distal tibia and epiphysis of the fibula]. / Fehlstellungen nach Verletzungen der distalen Tibia und Fibulaepiphysen.

ABSTRACT

If the correct treatment is applied, growth disturbances following epiphyseal fractures of the distal tibia are rare. Even if the prognosis is good after the correct treatment of epiphyseal fractures of the distal tibia, the parents and child may have to be informed about growth disturbances. Most frequent is a varus deformity after asymmetric closure of the medial growth plate. If at least 2 years of growth can be expected, a callus resection according to Langenskjöld is indicated. If this procedure fails, the ideal timing for a correction is the end of the growth. Imminent contractures can be an indication for early correction even if a recurrent deformity can be expected. An open-wedge osteotomy permits all three procedures to be carried out callus resection, axis correction and leg-length correction. If an incongruence of the joint is present, the closed wedge technique using an external fixator is indicated; correction of the leg length can be postponed. Joint incongruence reacts well to axis alignment. The pre-arthrotic joint can remain free of symptoms for years. We never encountered epiphyseal fractures of the distal fibula, but we did see one case of deformity of the ankle joint as a result of closure of the proximal fibular growth plate.