Neurovascular calcaneo-cutaneus pedicle graft for stump capping in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: preliminary report of a new technique.

The operative treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, especially when associated with neurofibromatosis type I (Recklinghausen's disease), often leads to failure. Frequently, regardless of the type of deformity, multiple operative procedures end in the amputation of the affected limb. Soft tissue coverage of the amputation stump may confront the surgeon with new problems. Secondary perforation of the soft tissue envelope of the stump owing to terminal overgrowth is not a rare complication. A new technique of stump capping is demonstrated in a 10-year-old boy and a 14-year old girl, both with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia of the right leg and neurofibromatosis. During this procedure, a radical resection of the pseudarthrotic tissue is performed although all neurovascular structures supplying the calcaneus are carefully maintained (Arteria, vena et nervus tibialis posterior et peronealis). Subsequently, the tibia and fibula are inserted into the calcaneus. This construct is stabilized with two crossed Kirschner wires. Afterwards, the skin of the lower limb and the hindfoot are sutured together covering the neurovascular bundles, which are arranged in a loop-like fashion. The documented active range of motion was similar to that of the unaffected knee joint. Twelve weeks after operation in both patients, full weight bearing was achieved with a lower-leg prosthesis. This new procedure leads to a durable, full weight-bearing stump with complete sensitive innervation without the risk of future soft tissue perforation caused by the growing bone. The stump fits with an end-bearing lower-leg prosthesis.