Hemiepiphysiodesis for posttraumatic tibial valgus

Posttraumatic tibial valgus is a recognized complication of proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures in children. There is no consensus regarding management of this malalignment; approaches range from repeated osteotomy to therapeutic nihilism. The authors present 12 patients with an average age at fracture of 4 years 11 months, each of whom who was successfully managed by temporary hemiepiphysiodesis. An additional patient (age 33 years) is included to illustrate the potential long-term outcome of "benign neglect."Using staples or, more recently, a 2-hole plate for guided growth, we have demonstrated correction of posttraumatic tibial valgus by all criteria; including mechanical axis deviation, lateral tibial metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle, tibiofemoral angle, and tibial length. We conclude that hemiepiphysiodesis is a safe and effective method of treatment with a high degree of patient/parent satisfaction. There have been no permanent growth arrests.