Epiphysiodesis: two-year clinical results using a new technique.

Abstract

A new technique for epiphysiodesis was used to treat seven children with lower limb length discrepancies. A low-speed, high-torque drill was used to ablate the epiphyseal plate through a 1-cm incision under image intensification control. Roentgenographically, the physes appeared to be fused as early as 1 month postoperatively. Clinically, growth was arrested at the time of the operation because the discrepancy never became greater than it was at the time of surgery and improved in all cases at subsequent follow-up visits. No failures of fusion, post-operative infections, restricted joint motion, or angular deformities were encountered.