Use of Orthofix T-Garche fixator in late-onset tibia vara.

Abstract

The treatment of late-onset tibia vara has not been well described. High tibial corticotomies and use of the Orthofix T-Garche fixator were performed on 11 children (14 knees) with late-onset tibia vara. The average age at surgery was 12 years, and follow-up was 2 years. Minimum follow-up was until completion of growth. Angular deformities were measured by using the tibiofemoral angle, metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle, and the mechanical axis both preoperatively and on removal of the fixation device. Union was accomplished in 7-12 weeks, and the total time with the appliance averaged 9 weeks. Complications included superficial pin-tract infections (two) and a transient nerve palsy (one). High tibial corticotomy followed by corrective gradual distraction osteosynthesis by using the Orthofix T-Garche fixator is effective in correcting angular deformity and alleviating knee pain. Advantages of this technique include ease of application, immediate weight bearing, and minimal discomfort with hardware removal. Disadvantages include difficulty in obtaining adequate radiographs with the anteriorly based fixation device, pin-tract infections, and the high degree of patient compliance needed.