Physical performance of children with longitudinal fibular deficiency (fibular hemimelia).

Cross-sectional study.Implications for RehabilitationThis paper provides the first baseline functional data using validated objective measures on a consecutive cohort of children and adolescents with longitudinal fibular deficiency.Children with LFD performed significantly worse than their unaffected peers on all measures of physical performance other than jumping, with children falling further behind their peers as they age.Children who undergo an amputation typically have the most severe anatomical presentation and yet perform at an equivalent functional level.This paper identifies multiple modifiable impairments that represent potential opportunities for rehabilitation professionals to target with conservative treatment options to improve functional performance.