Hemi epiphysiodesis with 8 Plate for Genu Valgum A case report

Management of angular deformities around knee in growing children, is always a difficult task. Corrective osteotomies are associated with pain, stiffness, risk of non union and prolonged period of immobilization. Stapling is associated with high rate of breakage and migration, while epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw carry the risk of breakage of screws or formation of physeal bar. To overcome these problems the concept of guided growth (hemiepiphysiodesis) using a flexible construct of a nonlocking 8 shaped plate with two screws was introduced. This plate acts as a tension band without any risk of direct damage to growth plate. Once the deformity is corrected, plate is removed and the growth is reversible. The procedure is easy, safe and it offers the effective solution for angular deformities around knee. We did hemiepiphysiodesis for a case of bilateral genu valgum in a fourteen year old boy with 8 plate. Deformity was corrected after 18 months and plate was removed.