Prospective evaluation of fifty-three consecutive percutaneous epiphysiodeses of the distal femur and proximal tibia and fibula.

Abstract

We evaluated 53 percutaneous epiphysiodeses performed in 50 children for limb length discrepancy or angular deformity. Five were unilateral epiphysiodeses, performed to correct angular deformity. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group I (35) were skeletally mature at an average follow-up of 3 years 3 months. Patients in group II (15) either underwent additional procedures to correct miscellaneous deformities (13 patients) or were unavailable for final follow-up evaluation (two patients). The average follow-up for patients in group II was 3 years 2 months. Statistical analysis demonstrated no significant difference (p = 0.97) in the actual discrepancy at follow-up and the discrepancy at maturity as calculated by standard growth charts.