Infantile tibia vara.

Abstract

We studied the applicability of Langenskiöld's classification to a predominantly nonwhite population with infantile tibia vara. Age at presentation was younger than that in previously published studies. Forty-seven tibiae averaging 6 years 7 months of follow-up had 66% good results. Poor results increased in proportion to stage at presentation. Brace treatment for early lesions was only 50% effective. Single tibial osteotomy before 4 years of age gave good results in 85% of tibiae, and multiple osteotomies gave good results between 4 and 8 years of age. One-half of tibiae treated with osteotomy developed recurrent varus. This review documents earlier stages at presentation, a more malignant course, and poorer results than Langenskiöld's series would suggest. We question the accuracy of Langenskiöld's estimate of prognosis when applied to this patient group.