Tibial hemimelia is a congenital longitudinal defect of the lower limbs, in which a part or the entire tibia bone is missing. It is also characterized by differences in limb length, foot and knee deformities. Tibial hemimelia encompasses a spectrum of changes affecting the lower limbs.

Femoral hemimelia is characterized by a shortened lower limb with deformities of the ankle joints (sometimes also the feet) and knees. In femoral hemimelia, the quadriceps muscles and patella may be absent, and if present, their function is limited. The femur bone is shortened, deformed (dysplastic), or underdeveloped.

Treatment of tibial and femoral hemimelia

At the Paley European Institute, we are familiar with tibial and femoral hemimelia and their symptoms. As a result, we can offer our patients effective treatment methods. The following procedures are used: SUPERankle, SUPERknee, SUPERhip, as well as preparatory surgeries.

Surgical treatment of tibial hemimelia aims to address all deformities, deficiencies, and limb length discrepancies. The goal of treatment is to achieve limb alignment, a functional foot in a flat weight-bearing position, alignment of the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and stability of the knees.

The gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment planning of femoral hemimelia is the classification system developed by Dr. Dror Paley in 2003. According to this classification, each type and subtype requires a different surgical treatment for limb reconstruction.

At the Paley European Institute, we focus not only on tibial and femoral hemimelia and their treatment but also perform other surgical procedures for congenital, traumatic, and developmental conditions. Pediatric orthopedics is our specialty.