About Fibulectomy
Key Highlights
-
Corrects significant leg length discrepancies and angular deformities in children.Improves overall lower limb alignment and gait (walking pattern).Can alleviate pain and prevent future joint degeneration, especially in the ankle.Often performed in conjunction with other limb-lengthening or reconstruction procedures for comprehensive care.Aims to restore functional mobility and enhance the child's quality of life and participation in activities.
Who is this surgery for?
- Fibular Hemimelia: A congenital condition where the fibula is partially or completely absent, often leading to severe limb shortening and foot deformities.
- Severe Trauma or Infection: Cases where a segment of the fibula is irreparably damaged or infected (osteomyelitis).
- Tumor Resection: Removal of benign or malignant bone tumors located in the fibula.
- Chronic Ankle Instability: In rare cases, a portion of the fibula may be removed to reconstruct a severely unstable ankle joint.
- As Part of a Larger Reconstruction: Often a component of complex procedures like the Syme's or Boyd amputation for severe lower limb deficiencies.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Detailed physical exam, X-rays, and often advanced imaging (CT/MRI) to assess bone structure, growth plates, and soft tissues.
- Medical Optimization: Review of the child's full medical history and management of any other health conditions.
- Pre-operative Counseling: Detailed discussions with the family about surgical goals, the procedure, recovery expectations, and potential risks.
- Pre-surgical Instructions: Guidelines on fasting (NPO status) before anesthesia and which medications to stop or continue.
- Planning for Support: Arranging for post-operative care, potential assistive devices (crutches, walker), and planning for the recovery period at home.
Risks & possible complications
- Standard Surgical Risks: Reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection, and blood clots.
- Nerve or Vessel Injury: Potential damage to the peroneal nerve, which can cause foot drop or numbness, or to blood vessels.
- Delayed Healing or Non-union: The remaining bone may heal slowly or not fuse properly.
- Ankle Instability: Removal of the fibula can affect the stability of the ankle joint, though techniques aim to preserve ligaments.
- Recurrence of Deformity or Limb Length Inequality: May require additional surgeries as the child grows.
- Scarring: Visible surgical scar on the lateral side of the lower leg.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate Post-Op: The leg is placed in a splint or cast to protect the surgical site. Pain is managed with medication.
- Hospital Stay: Typically 1-3 days for pain control, monitoring, and initial physical therapy instruction.
- Mobilization: Weight-bearing is usually restricted for several weeks. Crutches or a walker are used.
- Cast Care: The initial cast is kept dry and intact. It may be changed to a removable boot as healing progresses.
- Physical Therapy: Crucial for regaining strength, range of motion, and proper gait once cleared by the surgeon.
- Long-term Follow-up: Regular check-ups with X-rays are needed for years to monitor bone growth, alignment, and leg length.
-
Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full recovery and return to sports may take 6-12 months
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering fibulectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform fibulectomy. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for fibulectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 400 Thousand | 2-4 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full recovery and return to sports may take 6-12 months | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.4 Million | 2-4 days | ~ 6-12 weeks for initial healing; full recovery and return to sports may take 6-12 months | Know More |
Vihaan Joshi is a 13-year-old, active...
Vihaan Joshi is a 13-year-old, active boy who loves playing cricket and dreams of becoming a fast bowler. For over a year, he experienced a persistent, dull ache in his lower right leg that worsened with running. Initially dismissed as growing pains, it became severe enough to limit his sports participation. X-rays and an MRI revealed a non-ossifying fibroma, a benign bone tumor in his fibula, which had grown large enough to risk a pathological fracture. His pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehta, recommended a fibulectomy, removing the affected segment of the fibula, to relieve pain and prevent a debilitating break. Vihaan was terrified of surgery and the potential end of his cricket dreams. The procedure went smoothly, and his leg was immobilized in a cast. The recovery was challenging; he felt frustrated and isolated during the weeks of non-weight-bearing. However, with dedicated physical therapy, he gradually regained strength and mobility. Nine months post-surgery, after full clearance, he bowled his first over since the operation without pain. Vihaan's journey shifted from fear and frustration to immense relief and renewed hope, teaching him resilience. He now plays with a supportive brace and a deeper appreciation for his body's ability to heal.
Pediatric Orthopedics for Fibulectomy
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform fibulectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata