The Huntington procedure: still a reasonable option for large tibial defects in paediatric patients

BACKGROUND Management of gap nonunion of tibia is technically difficult, time consuming, physically and psychologically demanding for the patient with unpredictable results. Various techniques have been described in literature for the treatment of gap nonunions, but each one has its own limitations. PURPOSE This study reports the outcomes of ipsilateral fibular transposition for reconstruction of tibial defects in paediatric age group. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records of 14 patients who underwent surgery for gap nonunion tibia with ipsilateral tibialization of fibula. Fibula is transferred to tibia as pedicle graft in two-staged procedure. Due to retained blood supply to one end of the transplant, the graft easily takes up and hypertrophies upon weight bearing over a period of time. RESULTS Average time of radiographic union was 13.35 weeks. Guarded partial weight bearing was started at an average of 16.5 weeks with gradual progression to full weight bearing. The leg length discrepancy at final follow-up ranged from 0 to 7 cms with an average of 2.60 cms. Hypertrophy of tibialized fibula was observed in all patients, with 8 patients showed grafted fibula reaching the diameter of opposite tibia. On subjective assessment, 9 patients were highly satisfied, 4 patients were satisfied and one patient was dissatisfied with the procedure. CONCLUSIONS Huntington procedure is a simple, cost-effective and easy procedure for large tibial defects in paediatric patients which does not require any specialized team and implants, and can be performed in moderately equipped hospital. Leg length discrepancy may be addressed, after the transferred fibula is well developed.