[Options for correction of post-traumatic length discrepancies in forearm bones in children (case reports)]

Correction of radius length after a premature complete or partial closure of the distal epiphyseal plate is important for both the correction of radial deviation of the hand and the restoration of normal function of the radiocarpal articulation. This study comprised four patients. Two children with complete closure of the epiphyseal plate of the distal radius underwent callotaxis. One patient was treated for atrophic pseudoarthrosis of the distal radial metaphysis by external fixation and subsequent spongioplasty. One patient with partial closure of the epiphyseal plate was treated by physeal distraction. In each patient an Ilizarov's external fixator was applied. The full correction of radius length was achieved in all cases. No complications were recorded with the exception of tissue irritation around Kirchner's wires, which occurred mainly on the volar side. In the therapy of injuries suffered during adolescent growth acceleration, it is necessary to perform a certain overdistraction of the radius. An alternative method includes epiphyseodesis of the distal ulna. Key words: post-traumatic closure of the epiphyseal plate, callotaxis, physeal distraction, chondrodiatasis.