Guided Growth: A Novel Treatment for Anterolateral Bowing of the Tibia.

BACKGROUND: Tibial pseudoarthrosis is a source of considerable morbidity in children with neurofibromatosis. Preventing the progression of anterolateral bowing of the tibia (ALBT) to tibial pseudoarthrosis is difficult. The aim of this paper is to report the successful use of guided growth to prevent tibial pseudoarthrosis in a child with neurofibromatosis.

METHODS: With local ethical approval, we reviewed the case notes and radiographs of a child with pronounced ALBT who was treated with guided growth to correct the deformity and prevent fracture.

RESULTS: At 4-year follow-up guided growth has successfully corrected the deformity and prevented tibial pseudoarthrosis.

CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of the use of guided growth to prevent the progression of ALBT to pseudoarthrosis of the tibia in a child with neurofibromatosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.