Between 1962 and 1983, fourteen patients (twenty knees) had
centralization of the fibula for congenital longitudinal deficiency:
tibial, complete. Eleven of the twenty index procedures were performed on
patients who were one year old or less. A progressive flexion deformity of
the knee developed after all twenty index procedures. Twenty-six secondary
procedures were needed, including disarticulation at the knee, posterior
release, extension osteotomy, femorofibular arthrodesis, and
biceps-to-quadriceps transfer, and one patient had a second attempt at
centralization of the fibula. The duration of follow-up after the initial
centralization of the fibula ranged from four years to twenty-two years and
seven months (average, twelve years and four months). Seven patients (eight
limbs) in whom the index procedure resulted in failure had a satisfactory
result after disarticulation at the knee. The patients who did not have
secondary disarticulation at the knee are also considered to have had a
failed index procedure because they had a flexion deformity at the latest
follow-up. Attempts to reconstruct the knee joint by centralization of the
fibula are not warranted for patients who have congenital longitudinal
deficiency: tibial, complete. Early disarticulation at the knee and fitting
with a prosthesis, with close follow-up, is the treatment of choice.