Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica: diagnosis and treatment

Clinical features and radiographic findings of eight patients with dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica are described. In all patients, a single lower extremity was involved. The most common sites of involvement were the distal tibia and the distal femur. Magnetic resonance imaging was beneficial in determining a plane of separation between the accessory ossification center and the normal epiphysis. If the lesion is extraarticular, simple excision of the mass yields favorable results. If the lesion is intraarticular, an osteotomy may be needed to correct an angular deformity. Recurrence of the deformity is common.