Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Assessment and Planning for Severe Lower Limb Deformities: A Case Report of Bilateral Fibular Hemimelia

Abstract

To correct a lower limb deformity, orthopedic surgeons must have an exact understanding of the deformity. In general, preoperative planning is carried out using anterior-posterior (AP) and lateral radiographs. However, for severe cases with a combination of angular and rotational deformities of the lower limb, obtaining true AP and lateral radiographs is difficult and accurate calculation of the rotational deformity from radiographs is impossible. In this report, we propose to focus on preoperative assessment using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction images of computed tomography (CT) scans for severe lower limb deformity in a patient with bilateral fibular hemimelia type II according to the Achterman- Kalamchi classification. She underwent bifocal deformity corrections of the bilateral tibiae using Taylor spatial frames in combination with the Ilizarov external fixator. Complete bony union was achieved, without angular deformity or limb length discrepancy.