Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: treatment by transfer of the ipsilateral fibula with vascular pedicle.

We performed five transfers of the ipsilateral fibula in the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. In all cases, conventional treatment by intramedullary-rod and autogenous-iliac bone grafting had failed at least once. We hoped to avoid the use of contralateral-fibular grafting or other methods that have not yet been proven effective. The ipsilateral fibula was transferred, and its vascular pedicle left intact and secured to both fragments of the tibial pseudarthrosis by cerclage wires. All five transfers have united and hypertrophied with growth. We believe this salvage method is superior to others not only because of the successful results, but also because the intact limb is left undisturbed.