Fibular hemimelia - diagnostic management, principles, and results of treatment.

The objective of this study is to present treatment of fibular hemimelia along with the complications, results, and an algorithm for treatment indications on the basis of authors' experience. A group of 31 patients was studied. In patients fulfilling the criteria for amputation, Syme's amputation should be performed. Elongation should be performed in case of type IA or IB fibular hemimelia, with a functional foot with more than three rays, leg shortening less than 5 cm at birth, and less than 10 cm at 9 years of life. The combination of epiphysiodesis with elongation produces the best outcome and is best accepted by the patients.