Multiplane correctional osteotomy of the tibia for diaphyseal malunion.

Multiplane correctional osteotomy of the tibia was performed on seven patients with diaphyseal malunion involving deformity in more than one plane. All patients had preoperative complaints related to either disturbances of gait, associated joint or back pain, or a cosmetically unacceptable extremity. Correction of length, varus/valgus, anterior/posterior bowing, and internal/external torsion were possible. Stabilization by standard AO principles of lag screw compression and neutralization plating provided rigid fixation and early functional rehabilitation. All patients healed without complication and all returned to unrestricted activity. Preoperative planing, meticulous surgical technique, appropriate wedge resection, and correct application of internal fixation are required to obtain excellent surgical results.