Gradual Correction of Distal Tibia Malunion (Varus with Shortening)

Tibia deformityTibia deformity can cause abnormal biomechanics in the ankle resulting in chronic pain and arthritis. In addition, this case highlights the importance of optimizing a patient’s metabolic status to promote osteotomy healing. In this case, a chronic varus deformity with shortening resulted in medial ankle pain and early arthritis. A gradual correctionGradual correction utilizing the Taylor Spatial Frame obtained anatomic length and alignment. However, hypothyroidismhypothyroidism caused a nonunion of the osteotomy. Correcting the metabolic disorder resulted in union of the osteotomy at 6 months post-operatively. The patient is now pain-free at the ankle with anatomic length and alignment.