eMedicine Specialties > Orthopedic Surgery > Knee

Fibular Hemimelia: Follow-up

Author: Michael C Holmstrom, MD, Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH)
Coauthor(s): Peter M Stevens, MD, Professor, Director of Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship Program, Department of Orthopedics, University of Utah School of Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Aug 14, 2008

Outcome and Prognosis

Because postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity (fibular hemimelia) represents such a wide range of abnormalities with varying degrees of involvement, no simple statement can be made regarding the patient's prognosis. Judiciously chosen, well-timed procedures specifically tailored to the individual patient provide the best prospects for a well-aligned, functional limb of adequate length.

Future and Controversies

One controversy regarding postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity (fibular hemimelia) is its name. Historically, it has been called fibular aplasia or hypoplasia. This name has been defended largely because of historical precedent. However, as more insights have been gained into the constellation of related abnormalities stemming from the embryological limb bud, postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity may describe the syndrome more accurately. It also helps remind the clinician to look for other subtle abnormalities and not focus on only the obvious fibular deficiency.

 


More on Fibular Hemimelia

Overview: Fibular Hemimelia
Workup: Fibular Hemimelia
Treatment: Fibular Hemimelia
Follow-up: Fibular Hemimelia
Multimedia: Fibular Hemimelia
References
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References

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Further Reading

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Keywords

fibular hemimelia,  fibular hypoplasia, fibula hypoplasia, fibula aplasia, fibular aplasia, fibular abnormality, postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity, limb-length discrepancy, postaxial hypoplasia of the lower extremity, amelia, phocomelia, ectromelia, sirenomelia

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Michael C Holmstrom, MD, Consulting Surgeon, Department of Orthopedics, The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital (TOSH)
Michael C Holmstrom, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Arthroscopy Association of North America, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and Utah Medical Association
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Peter M Stevens, MD, Professor, Director of Pediatric Orthopedic Fellowship Program, Department of Orthopedics, University of Utah School of Medicine
Peter M Stevens, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society ASAMI-North America, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, Utah Medical Association, and Western Orthopaedic Association
Disclosure: Orthofix Inc Royalty Independent contractor

Medical Editor

Dennis P Grogan, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Chief of Staff, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shriners Hospital for Children of Tampa
Dennis P Grogan, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, American Orthopaedic Association, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society, Eastern Orthopaedic Association, Irish American Orthopaedic Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America, and Scoliosis Research Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Managing Editor

Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center
Thomas M DeBerardino, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Orthopaedic Association, and American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
Disclosure: Arthrex, Inc. Grant/research funds Other; Arthrex, Inc. Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Genzyme Biosurgery. Inc. Grant/research funds Other; Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Grant/research funds Other; Histogenics Grant/research funds None; Arthrex, Inc. Consulting fee Speaking and teaching

CME Editor

Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS, Associate Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery, Harvard Medical School; Chief of Arthroscopic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital
Dinesh Patel, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, American College of International Physicians, and American College of Surgeons
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Carlos J Lavernia, MD, FAAOS, Adjunct Clinical Professor, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Miami School of Medicine; Medical Director, Orthopedic Institute at Mercy Hospital
Carlos J Lavernia, MD, FAAOS is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, Arthritis Foundation, Biomedical Engineering Society, Florida Orthopaedic Society, and Orthopaedic Research Society
Disclosure: Zimmer Stock Implant Designer

 
 
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