Distal tibial hypertrophic nonunion with deformity: treatment by fixator-assisted acute deformity correction and LCP fixation

Distal tibial hypertrophic nonunion with angular deformity has been successfully treated by circular external fixator. The inconvenience of the bulky external fixator and frequent pin tract infection would not be accepted in certain cases. This study included thirteen patients (mean age 39 years) with angular deformity of the distal dia-/metaphyseal tibial shaft. Five patients were originally treated by interlocking nail, three were treated by plate and screws fixation, four treated conservatively and one had deformity secondary to fracture of a lengthening regenerate. All patients were treated by osteotomy and acute correction of the deformity using temporary unilateral fixator and internal fixation by a locking compression plate (LCP). The external fixator was removed at the end of surgery. The results were evaluated both clinically and radiologically. All osteotomies healed within 3 (2–4) months. All patients were able to work within an average of 2.3 months. The function of the upper ankle joint was unrestricted in twelve cases, and in 1 case there was a mild functional deficit. The mean follow-up was 60 months (24–120). The frontal plane alignment parameters (the mechanical axis deviation, the lateral distal tibial angle and the medial proximal tibial angle) and the sagittal alignment parameters (the posterior proximal tibial angle and the anterior distal tibial angle) were within normal values postoperatively. No cases of deep infection or failure of fixation were encountered. Acute correction of distal tibial shaft hypertrophic nonunion with deformity and LCP fixation is a reliable option in well-selected cases.