Development of genu varum in achondroplasia: relation to fibular overgrowth

J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2007 Jan;89(1):57-61. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.89B1.18223.

Abstract

Genu varum in the achondroplastic patient has a complex and multifactorial aetiology. There is little mention in the literature of the role of fibular overgrowth. Using the ratio of fibular to tibial length as a measurement of possible fibular overgrowth, we have related it to the development of genu varum. Full-length standing anteroposterior radiographs of 53 patients with achondroplasia were analysed. There were 30 skeletally-immature and 23 skeletally-mature patients. Regression analysis was performed in order to determine if there was a causal relationship between fibular overgrowth and the various indices of alignment of the lower limb. Analysis showed that the fibular to tibial length ratio had a significant correlation with the medial proximal tibial angle and the mechanical axial deviation in the skeletally-immature group. We conclude that there is a significant relationship between fibular overgrowth and the development of genu varum in the skeletally-immature achondroplastic patient.

MeSH terms

  • Achondroplasia / complications*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Ankle Joint / abnormalities
  • Ankle Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Malalignment / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Malalignment / etiology*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Fibula / abnormalities
  • Fibula / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibula / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Joint Deformities, Acquired / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Deformities, Acquired / etiology*
  • Knee Joint / abnormalities
  • Knee Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Leg / abnormalities*
  • Leg / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Risk Factors