To compare the structural durability of hydroxyapatite-tricalcium
phosphate (HATCP) to autologous iliac crest bone graft in calcaneal
lengthening osteotomy (CLO) for pes planovalgus in childhood. We present the interim results of ten patients (HATCP, n = 6
and autograft, n = 5) with a mean age of 11.5 years (8.2 to 14.2)
from a randomised controlled non-inferiority trial with six months
follow-up. The primary outcome was the stability of the osteotomy
as measured by radiostereometric analysis. A non-inferiority margin
of ≤ 2 mm osteotomy compression was set.Aims
Patients and Methods
Percutaneous physiodesis is an established technique for treating mild leg-length discrepancy and problems of expected extreme height. Angular deformities resulting from incomplete physeal arrest have been reported, and little is known about the time interval from percutaneous physiodesis to actual physeal arrest. This procedure was carried out in ten children, six with leg-length discrepancy and four with expected extreme height. Radiostereometric analysis was used to determine the three-dimensional dynamics of growth retardation. Errors of measurement of translation were less than 0.05 mm and of rotation less than 0.06°. Physeal arrest was obtained in all but one child within 12 weeks after physiodesis and no clinically-relevant angular deformities occurred. This is a suitable method for following up patients after percutaneous physiodesis. Incomplete physeal arrest can be detected at an early stage and the procedure repeated before corrective osteotomy is required.
