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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics
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Posteromedial Tibial Bowing



- Discussion:
    - unlike anterolateral bowing, this disorder is not assoc w/ other anomalies
            (like neurofibromatosis) nor is it associated w/   tibial frxs or
            pseudarthrosis, such as congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia;
    - clinical findings:
          - posteromedial bowing
          - calcaneal valgus
          - limb-length inequality;
          - triceps surae weakness;

- Limb Shortening: (see: limb growth deformities)
      - limb is shortened 1 -1.5 cm at birth;
      - some will have limb length discrepancies avg 4.0 cm at maturity;
      - growth inhibition usually remains as a constant percentage over time, thus
            allowing future equalization procedures can be planned.
      - treatment options:
          - contralateral epiphysiodesis;
          - ipsilateral limb lengthening;

- Bowing:
      - angular deformity corrects spontaneously, but medial bowing may persist.
      - occasionally, osteotomy is necessary to correct medial bowing.
      - no orthotics are necessary and the patient should be observed.

- Calcaneal Valgus:
      - calcaneal valgus foot position resolves gradually;




Posteromedial bowing of the tibia progression and discrepancy in leg lengths.
      Hofman A, Wenger DR:   J Bone Joint Surg 1981;63A:384.

Congenital posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula.
      Pappas AN:   J Pediatr Orthop 1984;4:525.






Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.