Salvage of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia by the induced membrane technique followed by a motorised lengthening nail

Abstract

An 18-year-old male with neurofibromatosis type I was treated for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia using the Masquelet induced-membrane technique with internal fixation by retrograde implantation of a transplantar intramedullary nail. Bone healing was obtained at the expense of malunion with external rotation and 5.5cm of lower limb shortening. A motorised intramedullary-lengthening nail (Fitbone^®, Wittenstein, Igersheim, Germany) was implanted. This treatment was successful in correcting the rotational malalignment and limb length discrepancy. The motorised nail Fitbone^® may be a valid option for treating complex cases of limb length discrepancy, including those combined with limb deformities.

Keywords: Congenital pseudarthrosis; Fitbone(®); Induced membrane technique; Limb length discrepancy; Masquelet technique; Neurofibromatosis; Tibia.