Fluoroscopic technique versus Phemister technique for epiphysiodesis

Seventy patients were followed after epiphysiodesis for limb length discrepancy. The Phemister technique was used on 44 and the fluoroscopic technique on 26 patients. Both techniques achieved growth plate arrest in 100% of patients. The average hospital stay was 1.8 days for the fluoroscopic technique and 3.5 days for the Phemister technique. Of the Phemister technique patients, 40% required formal postoperative physical therapy compared to only 8% of the fluoroscopic technique patients. The complication rate was two of 44 (4.5%) for the Phemister technique and one of 26 (4%) for the fluoroscopic technique. The advantages of the fluoroscopic technique are a much smaller scar, less postoperative knee stiffness, and a shorter hospital stay. Because of the similar results, the fluoroscopic technique is recommended.