Reconstruction of the lateral malleolus in a type-Ib fibular hemimelia with a microvascular proximal fibular flap

a case report

Abstract

Fibular hemimelia, or fibular hypoplasia-aplasia, is the most frequent congenital long-bone deficiency. There is still some debate on reconstruction versus amputation for the severe type Ib and type II cases. Limb-length discrepancy can be corrected with Ilizarov methods, but ankle stability remains a problem. The absence of the lateral malleolus destabilizes the mortise in valgus and ankle fusion is usually needed. A case of lateral malleolus reconstruction in a teenage patient with severe type-Ib fibular hemimelia using a contralateral free proximal fibular epiphyseal transfer is reported.