Focal Dome Osteotomy for the Treatment of Diaphyseal Malunion of the Lower Extremity

Abstract

The treatment of malunion of the lower extremity diaphysis is challenging. Diaphyseal osteotomies require extra care to promote bone healing. This may be enhanced through osteotomies, which do not produce bone gaps and allow for compression. The focal dome osteotomy allows for rotation around an axis to correct angular deformity. The production of a successful arcuate or focal dome osteotomy requires a suitable soft tissue host. The deformity analysis is not complex but essential to assess the feasibility of correction and is required for perfect execution of the osteotomy. This tutorial explains the technique for focal dome osteotomy to correct angular deformities of the lower extremities, specifically in the diaphysis. Surgical correction for malunion, infected malunion, and infected mal-nonunion case examples are discussed. With meticulous planning and surgical technique, the focal dome osteotomy is a viable option for correcting diaphyseal malunions with compression techniques that allow a stable construct for early weight-bearing.