Analysis of risk factors affecting union and refracture after combined surgery for congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia: a retrospective study of 255 cases

BACKGROUND: Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare disease occurring in children. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting bone union and re-fracture after surgery for CPT and to provide reliable evidence for clinics. METHODS: We collected the detailed information of 255 cases with Crawford IV CPT treated by combined surgery in our hospital from 2013 to 2020. Basic characteristics were recorded. Univariate variance and logistic regression analysis were used to compare the correlations between factors and outcomes. RESULTS: 92.5% of patients achieved primary union, 7.5% of patients had non-union and 13.3% of patients had re-fracture. Logistic regression analysis showed that age at index surgery (Coef. = 0.171, 95%CI 0.015–0.327, P = 0.032), and CPT location (Coef. = − 1.337, 95%CI − 2.218–0.456, P = 0.003) had statistical differences, while no factors had significant correlation with re-fracture. Furthermore, ROC curve showed that the optimal age threshold for first surgery was 2.37 years old. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with Crawford IV CPT treated by combined surgery, the younger the age at index surgery and the closer the CPT location to the distal end, the easier to achieve bone union.