Pseudarthrosis of the tibia
If your child incurs a shin bone (tibia) fracture that does not heal correctly, our paediatric surgeons can carry out advanced realignment surgery. It is rare and can present before a child reaches two years of age.
What is pseudarthrosis?
Pseudarthrosis is associated with neurofibromatosis — a condition where tumours grow in the nervous system. A child may show signs of pseudarthrosis a few days after birth, or up to the age of two.
This procedure aims to mend an unhealed fracture (pseudarthrosis) in the longer bone of the lower leg (tibia).
This type of fracture, which usually happens spontaneously, is referred to as a 'false joint'. This is because the unhealed bone moves like a joint. A child with this condition often has an unnaturally bowed leg, which curves towards the front.
Need to know
The curved and fractured part of the bone is removed and replaced with a healthy portion of bone. This is usually taken from the smaller lower leg bone (fibula) in the opposite leg. Another approach is to insert a metal rod into the bone and use bone graft from the opposite leg to stabilise the structure. With both procedures, metal fixators such as a cage, rods and screws may be inserted into the bone to provide further stability and to help the bone set and heal properly.
Our pseudarthrosis of the tibia locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.