Until recently the accepted treatment of choice for severe type-II fibular hemimelia has been Syme’s or Boyd’s amputation. The alternative of distraction lengthening using the Ilizarov technique is now available.

We report three patients (four limbs) with type-II fibular hemimelia who were treated by the Ilizarov technique and followed up for two to six years. Severe progressive procurvatum and valgus deformity of the tibia and valgus deformity and lateral subluxation of the ankle were found in all four limbs. Multiple additional soft-tissue and bony surgery was necessary. In view of these problems we feel that reappraisal of the indications for lengthening in type-II fibular hemimelia is necessary.

We describe three cases of acute pyogenic abscess of the iliopsoas in children treated conservatively. Two patients had image-guided aspiration and one was managed with antibiotics alone. All made a complete recovery.

Acute pyogenic abscess of the iliopsoas in children can be treated effectively and safely with intravenous antibiotics and image-guided aspiration of the abscess.