Fibular aplasia. Early surgical correction in two cases.

Two infants with bilateral fibular aplasia are described. They were operated on at 1 1/2 years and 8 months respectively in order to obtain a stable axial position of the foot beneath the tibia. The procedures consisted of soft tissue releases together with angulation osteotomies of the tibiae in one, and splitting the distal tibial epiphysis in the other. Both patients are now able to walk well barefoot or in custom-made shoes; no orthotic devices are needed. This type of conservative approach should be considered rather than amputation in selected cases.