Permanent and temporary epiphysiodesis: an experimental study in a rabbit model

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Pediatric orthopedics
• Growth plate research

Background:

• Epiphysiodesis is a surgical procedure to halt bone growth.
• Comparing permanent (Phemister) and temporary (stapling) epiphysiodesis is crucial for clinical decision-making.
• Assessing growth plate activity post-intervention is key to understanding surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the Phemister technique with temporary epiphysiodesis using staples.
• To evaluate epiphyseal plate activity after staple removal via radiographic, scintigraphic, and histopathologic methods.
• To determine if bone scintigraphy can predict physis (growth plate) activity.

Main Methods:

• 24 New Zealand rabbits were divided into three groups: Phemister epiphysiodesis, stapling epiphysiodesis, and stapling with staple removal.
• Radiological and scintigraphic data were collected at 3 and 6 weeks.
• Histopathological evaluation of growth plates was performed at 6 weeks.

Main Results:

• The Phemister technique demonstrated more effective scintigraphic, radiologic, and histopathological findings.
• Group 3 (stapling with staple removal) showed significantly higher growth plate activation than normal physis activity.
• Histopathological analysis confirmed these findings, with Group 1 showing the most effective results.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative and postoperative scintigraphy, alongside radiological assessment, can indicate the reversibility of growth plate activation.
• The Phemister technique appears more effective for permanent epiphysiodesis.
• Temporary epiphysiodesis with staples shows potential for reversibility and growth plate activity post-removal.