Hahn's operation for pseudarthrosis after osteomyelitis of the tibia in children. A report of three cases.

Three children with pseudarthrosis of the tibia after osteomyelitis and extensive sequestration of the diaphysis were operated according to Hahn with transfer of the fibula to the proximal part of the tibia at ages 2-9 years. Because of damage to the distal growth plate, secondary to the infectious process, epiphyseodesis of the proximal ends of the tibia and fibula on the unaffected side was necessary to reduce the length discrepancy. Restored continuity of the tibial diaphysis resulted in restored longitudinal growth proximally and in increased diaphyseal width. In all three cases the operation resulted in good weight-bearing limbs with only slight residual disability at adult age. Hahn's original method is simpler and in children may result in a limb which is closer to normal than the modifications of his method.