Defining patho-anatomy of the knee in congenital longitudinal lower limb deficiencies

• Main Authors: Kiran A.N. Saldanha, Caroline M Blakey, Penny Broadley, James A Fernandes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2016-01-01
• Series: Journal of Limb Lengthening & Reconstruction
• Subjects: Congenital short femur; cruciate insufficiency; fibula hemimelia; knee; proximal focal femoral deficiency
• Online Access: http://www.jlimblengthrecon.org/article.asp?issn=2455-3719;year=2016;volume=2;issue=1;spage=48;epage=54;aulast=Saldanha

Context: The osseous and soft tissue anatomy of the knee in congenital longitudinal lower limb deficiencies is important to consider, both in limb lengthening procedures and in soft tissue reconstruction. Aims: Our study aims to further define the patho-anatomy of the knee in this group of patients. Methods and Material: 24 children were reviewed clinically and radiologically. Osseous and soft tissue anatomy is described including MR imaging of 27 affected knees. Results: Our results echoed those of previous authors, with dysplasia of the menisci and cruciate ligaments a frequent finding. However, the study demonstrated that a clear correlation between the osseous anatomy and soft tissue findings was not always seen. Conclusions: MRI allows assessment of the cartilaginous epiphysis in younger children with longitudinal dysplasia and we would recommend systematic assessment of the knee prior to any surgical intervention.