Rare growth and development disorder
What is a tibial pseudarthrosis?
A pseudarthrosis (Greek pseudes - “false” and arthros - “joint”) refers to the failure of a bone fracture or osteotomy (operative transection of bone) to heal. Cases affecting the shin bone (tibia), the calf bone and the accompanying soft tissues are referred to congenital or infantile tibial pseudoarthrosis. This rare growth and development disorder occurs frequently in combination with neurofibromatosis.
Tibial pseudoarthosis is characterized by increasing curvature of the lower leg bones as the child begins to walk. This can lead to incomplete or complete fractures that do not heal. Additionally, bone resorption usually thins out the outer layer of the bone. The diagnosis is often only made after a fracture fails to heal.
We can help you!
Sample treatment
Patient without orthoprosthesis
The patient has a tibial pseudarthrosis on the left leg.
Patient with orthoprosthesis
Caring for children and adolescents with tibial pseudoarthrosis is part of our daily work. There is hardly any patient that we can't get back up and running.
By the way: some people with tibial pseudoarthrosis do not have a shorter leg. In this case, we will provide you with an orthosis.
Orthosis
The orthosis protects and supports your leg. Through targeted stabilization and movement guidance, surgical results can be supported and accompanied by an orthosis in the postoperative phase. This promotes functional development.
We connect you!
Standbein e.V. is a non-profit self-help group for people with PFFD, fibular or tibial defects, as well as their families. Benefit from the experiences of other people affected by the same disorder and share your experiences.
Orthoprosthesis
Orthoprostheses are aids that have both orthotic and prosthetic design features. They compensate for the length deficit on the affected limb (prosthesis portion) and support the affected leg if necessary (orthosis portion).
Hannah has got what it takes!
Taekwondo with tibial pseudarthrosis
Hannah is a tiny tornado and always on the move. At school, she mostly enjoys the longer recess breaks so she can play superheroes with her best friend. The 8-year-old also loves swimming lessons. When she jumps off the 3-meter board, her teachers make waves at the bottom of the swimming pool so that Hannah doesn’t land too hard on her swimming orthosis.
Aschau Children’s Clinic
The Orthopedic Children’s Clinic in Aschau is one of the largest specialist clinics for pediatric orthopedics in Central Europe.
Interdisciplinary treatment approach
When it comes to orthopedic treatment for infants and children, it is extremely important for all parties to pull together: parents, doctors, technicians and therapists.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists support the individual care of our little patients at our headquarters and all of our branches.
Research article
Orthoprosthetic treatment of lower extremity longitudinal limb deformities in children and adolescents.
Authors: M. Schäfer, H. Fleps, T. Baumeister, S. Wiedmann
Source: ORTHOPÄDIE-TECHNIK 01/18, Verlag Orthopädie-Technik Dortmund