Correction of the knee coronal plane deformity using the screws plus reconstruction plate versus cannulated screws

Knee angular deformity is a common finding occurring in the childhood that can cause gait disturbances and early compartment osteoarthritis. Despite various surgical approaches presented to correct the angular deformities of the knee, there is still a search for the best approach. Thus, the present study was conducted to compare the results of using cannulated screw (CS) versus screw plus reconstruction plate (SpRP) for correction of angular deformities through a two-year follow-up study.

Percutaneous CS implantation is as efficacious as SpRP implantation for the correction of angular deformities of the knee.

This randomised clinical trial (RCT) was conducted on 63 patients with angular deformities who were randomly divided into two groups including treatment with cannulated screw (CS) (n=32) and treatment with screw plus reconstruction plate (SpRP) (n=31). All the patients underwent the alignment view radiography of both lower limbs before surgical procedure and then within 3, 6, 12, 18 months and 2 years following the surgery. Afterwards, the patients' mechanical axis of the knees, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), and varus/valgus angles were assessed and compared.

Results of the study showed that MPTA and LDFA significantly turned to the normal range during the 18 months follow-up in both treatment groups (p-value<0.001). Varus and valgus angles were corrected in both techniques as well postoperatively (p-value<0.001). Ultimate correction was achieved earlier in the CS treated group (12 months versus 18 months later).

Findings of the study revealed that the percutaneous CS implantation was successful similar to the SpRP implantation for correction of the angular deformity, while earlier ultimate angular correction and less pain complaint were among the superiorities of the CS.

II, comparative prospective study.