The supramalleolar malunion of tibia can alter the mechanics of the ankle joint by the rotation, angulation, and shortening and lead to persistent symptoms, degenerative changes, and loss of function of the joint. Thus the supramalleolar malunion
of
tibia should be corrected for relief of the symptoms and restoration of the weight bearing alignment of the ankle. Satisfactory alignment after osteotomy is difficult to maintain unless some means of internal fixation such as a compression plate,
medullary nail, or external fixation are used.
We reviewed 3 cases of supramalleolar malunion that were corrected by Ilizarov technique. Among three patients, two patients had the epiphyseal injury of distal tibia. One of two patients who had had the epiphyseal injury had valgus deformity of
15
degrees, external rotation of 45 degrees, and shortening of 2cm and the other one patient had varus deformity of 20 degrees and shortening of 3.5cm. The other one patient who had had comminuted fracture on the distal tibia had varus deformityof
25
degrees and shortening of 1.5cm.
@ES The advantages of the supramalleolar osteotomy by the Ilizarov techique are as following.
@EN 1. Less traumatic procedure.
2. Simultaneous correction in angulation, rotation, and shortening
3. Early exercise and weight bearing.
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