Limb Axis Disorder During Leg Length Discrepancy Treatment with Temporary Epiphysiodesis Using Eight-Plate Implants

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomechanical Analysis

Background:

• Leg length discrepancy (LLD) is a common pediatric orthopedic issue with potential adult degenerative complications.
• Eight-plate implant epiphysiodesis offers a minimally invasive surgical option for LLD.
• Limited data exists on secondary deformities following LLD surgical correction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of temporary growth plate blocking on the final limb axis after LLD treatment.
• To assess secondary axis deformations resulting from epiphysiodesis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 2010-2019 radiographs from patients treated with eight-plate implants for LLD.
• Radiographic assessment included mechanical axis deviation (MAD), mMPTA, and M/at.
• Patient data included sex and treatment duration (18, 30, or 42 months).

Main Results:

• Twenty-four girls and thirty-six boys were analyzed.
• The mechanical axis deviation (MAD) parameter showed statistically significant changes across all treatment groups and sexes.
• Treatment duration did not negate the observed significant changes in MAD.

Conclusions:

• Epiphysiodesis using eight-plate implants for LLD influences the anatomical and mechanical axes of the limb.
• Significant alterations in the mechanical axis deviation (MAD) are a key outcome of this treatment.
• Further research into long-term axis stability and potential secondary deformities is warranted.