What is Hemiephysiodesis?

Discussion Angular deformities of the lower extremities are common problems and can be idiopathic, congenital or acquired. Idiopathic knee deformities are usually managed by monitoring and family reassurance as these often improve with time or are minimal and do not cause problems. Those ≤ 10 degrees are considered non-problematic. Genu varus usually peaks between 1-3 years and if problematic can cause waddling gait, lateral thrust and ligamentous laxity. Genus valgus usually peaks around 3-6 years and if problematic can cause circumduction gait, anterior knee pain and patellofemoral instability. Treatment options are meant to improve alignment. Osteotomy is usually considered the gold standard but has many potential complications including potential need for revision, immobilization, potential hospitalization, pain, increased recovery time, compartment syndrome and other risks of neurovascular complications. Many view it as a secondary or tertiary option for patients needing angular correction whose physis is still open. Partial physeal ablation – this is a permanent technique and problems can include difficulty in performing the procedure, delay in bone bridge formation and it may not work adequately. Blount’s stapling was introduced in 1949 using heavy staples/wires to fix the physis unilaterally but to guide the growth of the physis. The hardware can break or migrate and therefore may not be as helpful. Learning Point Hemiepiphysiodesis is also known as ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news