The use of retrograde femoral intramedullary nails in children for deformity correction is controversial. It is unknown if the injury to the central part of the growth plate results in premature bony union, leading to limb deformities or discrepancies. The aim of this study was to assess physeal healing and bone growth after insertion of a retrograde femoral nail thorough the centre of the physis in a skeletally immature experimental porcine model. Eleven immature pigs were included in the study. One leg was randomised for operation with a retrograde femoral nail (diameter 10.7 mm), whilst the non-operated contralateral remained as control. All nails were inserted centrally in coronal and sagittal plane under fluoroscopic guidance, and the nails spanned the physis. The nails were removed at 8 weeks. Both femora in all animals underwent MRI at baseline (pre-operatively), 8 weeks (after nail removal) and 16 weeks (before euthanasia). Femoral bone length was measured at 5 sites (anterior, posterior, central, lateral and medial) using 3d T1-weighted MRI. Growth was calculated after 8 weeks (growth with nail) and 16 weeks (growth without nail). Physeal cross-sectional area and percentage violated by the nail was determined on MRI. Operated side was compared to non-operated. Corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated. No differences in axial growth were observed between operated and non-operated sides. Mean growth difference was 0,61 mm [−0,78;2,01] whilst the nail was inserted into the bone and 0,72 mm [−1,04;1,65] after nail removal. No signs of angular bone deformities were found when comparing operated side to non-operated side. No premature bony healing at the physis occurred. Histology confirmed fibrous healing. Mean physeal violation was 5.72% [5.51; 5.93] by the femoral nail. The insertion of a retrograde femoral nail through the centre of an open physis might be a safe procedure with no subsequent growth arrest. However, experiments assessing the long term physeal healing and growth are needed.
The correction obtained in the coronal plane knee deformity using guided growth was assessed in children with sick physes (Height<1SD of the normal children) to define the limits of this technique in sick physis We retrospectively assessed deformity correction following guided growth using 8 plates in children with coronal plane deformity and metabolically abnormal physis- renal rickets in 6 and bone dysplasias (multiple epiphyseal dyspasia, spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, metaphyseal dysplasia, mesomelic dysplasia, chondrodysplasia punctata) in 10 children aged 2 to 14 years. Lateral distal femoral angle(LDFA) and medial proximal tibia(MPTA) angles were serially assessed after eight plate application as a day care procedure. We noted correction achieved rate of correction, complications and additional surgical procedures. Fischer's exact test and multiple regression analysis was done to assess the effect of modifiers.Purpose
Methods
The purpose of this study is TO describe and illustrate a new method of reversible hemi-physeal tethering utilized for correcting various angular deformities of the extremities. Since hemi-physeal stapling was first introduced by Dr. Blount in 1950, this method has waxed and waned in popularity. Some associated problems include staple migration or breakage necessitating premature revision surgery. The author has devised a new construct comprising a two-hole plate and two screws to achieve gradual correction of deformities while averting the problems of hardware migration or breakage. In a pilot study, 25 children with 40 physeal deformities have been treated since 2001 utilizing the plate method. The children ranged in age from 19 months to 15 years and had a variety of underlying diagnoses. The plate is placed extraperiosteally and is removed upon attaining a neutral mechanical axis. No postoperative immobilization or limitation of weightbearing is required. In all cases short-term follow-up reveals improvement or resolution of deformity without need for osteotomy. Complications have included two early migration of short screws (<
16 mm) necessitating exchange for longer screws. There have been no premature or permanent physeal closures and no other significant peripoerative complications. Growth guidance employing a two hole plate and screws offers a secure and flexible means of redirecting the physis (es) in order to accomplish safe and gradual correction of angular deformities in children. Growth is reversible; the treatment is modular and may be repeated prn.
The undulating pattern of the distal femur is well recognized. Radiographs do not always represent the full extent of the undulations. With recent increasing use of guided growth technique in the distal femur, it is important to define safe zones for screw placement. We performed an anatomical study on 26 cadaveric distal femoral epiphyses, ages 3–18 years. High resolution three-dimensional surface scans were obtained with a laser scanner, and were analyzed to determine the absolute height of the central physeal ridge, and the central physeal ridge height with respect to the highest points medially and laterally.Purpose
Method
We share our experience in management of failed in-situ pinning in severe unstable Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) by surgical dislocation approach. A retrospective review of hip database from 2006 to 2013 showed 41 children underwent surgical dislocation for SCFE. We identified seven who had severe slip with failed in-situ pinning.Purpose
Method
To assess the radiological outcomes of medial screw epiphyseodesis of the proximal femoral physis in the management of lateral growth arrest following treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. We identified 10 patients noted to have lateral growth disturbance of the proximal femoral physis, 9 of which were managed with medial screw epiphyseodesis. Serial radiographs were reviewed. A new technique was employed to monitor progression of lateral growth arrest and also to assess the role of screw epiphyseodesis in preventing further deterioration or indeed allowing for improvement. This method involved calculating the tilt angle (angle formed between a horizontal reference line and a line joining medial and lateral points of physis) and following its progression with increasing age.Purpose of Study
Methods
The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the femoral
head–neck contour, characterised by the alpha angle, varies with
the stage of physeal maturation using MRI evaluation of an asymptomatic
paediatric population. Paediatric volunteers with asymptomatic hips were recruited to
undergo MRI of both hips. Femoral head physes were graded from 1
(completely open) to 6 (completely fused). The femoral head–neck
contour was evaluated using the alpha angle, measured at the 3:00
(anterior) and 1:30 (anterosuperior) positions and correlated with
physeal grade, with gender sub-analysis performed.Objectives
Methods
