Factors Affecting Postoperative Courses After Removal of Transphyseal Screws Inserted for Correction of Genu Valgum

The aim of this study was to investigate factors determining the final outcomes of hemipercutaneous epiphysiodesis using transphyseal screw (PETS) for the genu valgum, especially focusing on postoperative courses after screw removal.

Fifty-five patients with idiopathic genu valgum treated with hemi-PETS were included. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA) and medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) were measured to calculate the degree of correction and rebound. Regarding factors related to surgical techniques, the number of screw threads beyond the physis, the moment arm of the screw, and screw insertion angles were measured.

In 54 femoral segments (randomly selected in bilateral cases), hemi-PETS was performed with a growth remaining of 2.0±0.6 years. The screw was removed after 6.5±2.1 months, and the degree of correction was 5.0±1.5 degrees. The mean rebound angle was -0.4±2.4 (the negative value means further correction after screw removal). A late time of surgery and an extreme peripheral position of a screw were associated with the growth inhibition. In 50 tibial segments (also randomly selected in bilateral cases), a screw was inserted with a growth remaining of 2.0±0.6 years and removed after 6.3±1.9 months. The degree of correction was 2.9±1.7 degrees during the interval, and the rebound angle was 0.8±1.7 degrees. An earlier time of surgery and a greater correction angle before screw removal were associated with the rebound phenomenon.

Growth inhibition of >1.6 degrees was observed in about one-fourth of femoral segments. An extreme peripheral position of a screw should be avoided when performing hemi-PETS at the distal femur. We also recommend not performing hemi-PETS at distal femur with too short a period of growth remaining.

Level III-retrospective comparative series.