Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia

Abstract

The author analyses seventy two cases of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. He supports the genetic hypothesis of this rare clinical entity which is considered to be a segmental manifestation of Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. Having differentiated it from similar syndromes often confused with it, he emphasises the necessity for a complete documentation of all cases before any valid conclusions can be drawn regarding surgical treatment. In secondary pseudarthrosis it is important to recognise the various pre-pseudoarthrosic states which influence the response to treatment.