Abstract
A series of 18 fetuses were identified from the archives, between 2004 and 2013 with
findings of unilateral shortening of the tibia and fibula, an acutely dorsiflexed
foot and posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula. The median gestational age
at diagnosis was 23 weeks (range 20–29 weeks). The discrepancy in length between the
affected and contralateral tibia varied from 9 to 33 %. Data on pregnancy outcome
were available for 14 (78 %) of 18 fetuses. Four patients opted for termination of
pregnancy. All the live born babies (10/14) were followed-up postnatally and were
well at a median age of 28 months (6–63 months) with milestones appropriate for age
at the time of writing. Spontaneous resolution was noted in all the cases and none
of them required surgical correction for limb discrepancy so far. Congenital posteromedial
bowing of the leg is a benign entity whose outcome includes spontaneous resolution
of the angular deformity, albeit with some residual limb length discrepancy and ankle
valgus which may need orthopedic intervention around 6–7 years of age. Awareness of
this condition helps in making the diagnosis prenatally and in counseling the couples
about the prognosis and management options available.
Keywords
Posteromedial bowing - Angulation tibia - Shortening of leg - Prenatal ultrasonography
- Dorsiflexed foot
