Gradual Correction of Valgus Deformities of the Tibia Using a Monolateral External Fixator

• Published in: Strategies in trauma and limb reconstruction 2023-05, Vol.18 (2), p.123-132
• Main Authors: Motta, DP, Faria, JLR, Couto, A, Aguiar, DP, Amaral, MVG, Kropf, LL, Motta, GAVA, Cerqueira, FS, Leonetti, BD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Original Research
• ISSN: 1828-8936; 1828-8928
• DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1585

ObjectiveTo present a review of patients subjected to gradual correction of a valgus deformity of the tibia using a monolateral external fixator.MethodThis retrospective review included patients from January 2012 to May 2022 who met the following inclusion criteria: deviation of mechanical axis of the limb due to valgus deformity of the tibia; tibial deformity in the coronal plane on radiographic examination; a documented outpatient pre-operative evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon and age between 10 and 70 years. The following exclusion criteria were applied: the presence of another tibia deformity preventing gradual correction using the proposed assembly; skin conditions incompatible with the surgical procedure; inadequate pre- or post-operative radiological evaluation; and insufficient information in the medical records.ResultsThe mean age of patients with a valgus deformity of the tibia was 30.8 ± 15.9 years. These patients had a body mass index (BMI) of 26.1 ± 5.5 kg/m2. A congenital or developmental aetiology was attributed to 58.3% of the cases. Most commonly, the deformity was found in the middle third of the tibia with a mean deformity of 14.7 ± 6.6 degrees. The total external fixator time ranged from 73 to 229 days (average 149.7 ± 36.1 days). The mean medial proximal and lateral distal tibial angles differed significantly for pre- and post-operative measurements (p ≤ 0.05). There were complications in eight cases; five cases of pin site infections, two cases of medial cortical fracture and one case of peroneal nerve neuropraxia.ConclusionThe proposed correction technique produces a satisfactory angular correction and with similar outcomes as described in the literature.How to cite this articleMotta DP, Faria JLR, Couto A, et al. Gradual Correction of Valgus Deformities of the Tibia Using a Monolateral External Fixator. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2023;18(2):123-132.