Pseudarthrosis of distal radial growth plate treated with Blount clip: A case report

Epiphyseal detachement of distal radius are frequent, the richness of the vascular supply at this level favors rapid consolidation, but with the possibility of long-term complications which vary according to the classification of Salter and Harris. In the literature they are dominated by the epiphysiodesis, however, Pseudarthrosis of the growth plate is exceptional. Through this case presentation, we will explain contributing factors of its occurrence and its care management.

We report a case of a pseudarthrosis of distal radial growth plate (GP) due to an epiphyseal detachement type I of Salter and Harris in a 16-years-old patient who presented with a right wrist trauma at the age of 8, treated by a traditional immobilization (Moroccan Jbira) and who kept a painful deformity of the right wrist in hand ulnar boot. Face and profile radiography of the right wrist found a pseudarthrosis of distal radial growth plate, the patient had surgery to attach pseudarthrosis spot using a Blount clip, and at the same time, creating a partial epiphysiodesis in the lateral side, resulting in the correction of the wrist malalignment. After 5 years, we had a consolidation of the pseudarthrosis spot, without modification of angular deviation.

GP's traumas care management is based on an urgent and anatomical reduction because it is a very fragile area and is more affected by mechanical stress, however in our context Patients consult usually after late complications such as deformations and functional abnormalities. Blount clip was our surgical team choice because it is the best way of osteosynthesis in our case, it allows a solid fixation thanks to its biomechanical characteristics. Pseudarthrosis of distal radial growth plate is exceptional in the literature that's why we cannot compare our results.

This complication would have been prevented with initial adequate care management, prevention about avoiding traditional traitements.