Leg length inequality and epiphysiodesis: review of 96 cases

A retrospective analysis of 96 patients who underwent an epiphysiodesis procedure for leg length discrepancy was performed. Forty patients were identified who had an open Phemister-type epiphysiodesis. Fifty-six patients underwent a percutaneous epiphysiodesis procedure. All patients' medical records and radiographs were reviewed for complications. No angular deformities or epiphysiodesis failures occurred in the open group; however, one deep infection requiring intravenous antibiotics and serial surgical debridement was successfully treated. Five complications occurred in the percutaneous group. The complications included two superficial infections, two failures of physeal arrest, and one postoperative angular deformity. The occurrence of complications in the two groups was not statistically significant. Regular follow-up and radiographic evaluation of patients who have undergone a percutaneous epiphysiodesis is essential. Failure of physeal arrest and angular deformities are rare in this patient population, but they can occur.