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Tibial Hemimelia<\/a>\u00a0is a partial or total absence of the tibia and is the rarest form of lower limb deficiency present at birth. There are two long bones in the lower leg, the thicker one is called the tibia and the thinner one is the fibula. With Tibial Hemimelia the fibula is present but the tibia is either missing or misshapen. There is a foot deformity and the foot may have additional toes<\/p>\n The knee may also be twisted inwards.<\/p>\n Most legs affected by Tibial Hemimelia will look \u2018unusual\u2019. It can occur either in one leg or both legs \u2013 thirty percent have both legs affected. The fibula may be deformed or unaffected.<\/p>\n Severe cases are likely to be seen at scans during pregnancy. Milder cases may not be noticed straight away and only become apparent when the shortening of the leg becomes more noticeable and the leg is X-rayed.\u00a0 Most cases are thought to occur for no reason.<\/p>\n Steps have produced a downloadable publication,\u00a0Leg Length Difference<\/a>\u00a0for parents\u00a0who have been told of a possible problem with their baby\u2019s legs.<\/p>\n Treatment depends on the exact form of the condition.<\/p>\n For the mildest form the Ilizarov apparatus may be used to lengthen the leg and improve the position of the foot. Steps are producing a publication on \u2018Leg Equalisation\u2019, explaining the process of leg lengthening and shortening and covers aspects of caring for a child during this process.<\/p>\n In more severe cases\u00a0amputation<\/a>\u00a0is often the best option with the provision of a prosthetic limb which may be above or below the knee depending on the condition of the knee joint and the presence or absence of certain other parts of the upper leg. Steps have produced a\u00a0Parent\u2019s Guide to Planned Amputation\u00a0to help parents and carers prepare themselves and their child for a lower limb amputation.<\/p>\n Some attempts at reconstruction using the fibula have been made but rarely provide a well functioning limb due to instability at the knee and problems with the quadriceps (thigh) musculature. Steps have also produced a guide \u2013\u00a0Preparing For Your Child\u2019s Surgery<\/a>\u00a0to help parents and carers prepare themselves and their child for a hospital admission.<\/p>\n Steps have produced a Fact Sheet about\u00a0\u00a0Tibial Hemimelia<\/a>\u00a0to help parents understand the condition and its treatment.<\/p>\n Rhys<\/a> was born with Tibial Hemimelia and his mum describes the ups and downs of his diagnosis, surgery and the exciting and active life he leads.\u00a0Read More<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Watch our video on leg lengthening<\/strong><\/p>\nDiagnosis<\/h2>\n
How can it be treated?<\/h2>\n