IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Tibial pseudoarthrosis - neurofibromatosis type 1

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Progressive leg deformity.

Patient Data

Age: 2 years

There is a section of absent tibial shaft at the junction of the middle and distal thirds. There is angulation at this point with cupping of the tibia proximal to the absent section and sharpened narrow appearance of the bone distal to this mimicking the appearance of a joint.  

Case Discussion

This appearance is known as tibial pseudoarthrosis and is usually seen in neurofibromatosis type 1, which was true in this case. There is similar deformity of the fibula.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.