Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for idiopathic genu valgum

Abstract

Background For correction of angular deformity, the medial eight-plate system has been proposed as a safe and minimally invasive technique. The purpose of this study was to assess the results and the degree of correction obtained with this procedure in patients with idiopathic genu valgum. Patients and methods This study was a prospective study of 19 valgus deformities of the knee in 11 patients treated with medial hemiepiphysiodesis using one medial eight-plate. The tibiofemoral angle and the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle were assessed on anteroposterior radiographs of the lower extremity taken at multiple time intervals. Results A total of 19 deformities in 11 patients were reviewed. The average time of follow-up from index surgery was 11.7 months, with an average correction time of 11.2 months. The tibiofemoral angle was corrected from a mean of 12.2° preoperatively to 4.6° postoperatively; the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle was also corrected from a mean of 79.7° preoperatively to a mean of 84.05° postoperatively. There were no instrumentation breakages. Conclusion Hemiepiphysiodesis with medial eight plate provides an effective and predictable correction of idiopathic genu valgum. There is a trend toward faster correction in younger patients.