Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

CPT (congenital pseudatrhrosis of tibia), or congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia, is a type of disorder involving bending of the bone that leads to fracture and formation of a pseudarthrosis joint. In the place where two bone fragments should fuse, their mobile joint, or joint, is formed (however, this is pathological mobility). Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia occurs in 1 in 190,000 people and affects both girls and boys. CPT most often has its onset in early childhood. Nearly half of those who struggle with tibial pseudarthrosis and related symptoms also have neurofibromatosis, and some have neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia - diagnosis and treatment

In the case of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, early diagnosis is extremely important. The older the child is, not only does the tibial pseudarthrosis joint have more intractable symptoms, but also the risk that treatment will prove ineffective increases. As the child grows, the bone structures undergo increased stress, and the pseudarthrosis joint can cause increasingly serious problems such as instability, deformity and even chronic pain.

A pseudarthrosis of the tibia can develop before birth or occur later in a child's life. An acute fracture most often occurs before age 2. If it occurs before age 4, the prognosis is worse and the risk of treatment failure (including amputation) is higher.

Up to the point of fracture, occurring in the case of tibial pseudarthrosis, treatment consists of immobilizing the limb with an orthosis (with coverage of the knee and thigh), after fracture, surgical treatment of the pseudarthrosis is necessary. Can it be cured? To avoid further fractures, the pseudarthrosis joint should be resected, a graft and intramedullary stabilization applied. However, if after two or three repeated fractures no fusion has been achieved, the limb has shortened more than 6 cm, or the child's social development has been delayed after prolonged hospitalizations and multiple surgeries, amputation should be considered.

In addition, in the case of pseudarthrosis of the tibia, rehabilitation is a must. It can maximize the functionality of the limb, improve the patient's muscle strength, range of motion and overall fitness.

CPT treatment at Paley European Institute

Only after the child is brought to the end of the growth period with a healed and even limb can one speak of treatment success. People with congenital pseudarthrosis require comprehensive treatment and physiotherapy. Make an appointment at Paley European Institute and be assured that you will be taken care of by top-notch specialists! We will explain to you the tibial pseudarthrosis joint: what it is, what causes it and what rehabilitation looks like. Pediatric orthopedics is our specialty! At Paley European Institute we perform the cross union protocol, which has a 100% success rate, and limb lengthening. We also offer pre- and post-operative physiotherapy. Feel free to contact us!