Treatment of adolescent Blount disease with the circular external fixation device and distraction osteogenesis

The purpose of this study was to review both the anatomic and functional results of treatment of adolescent tibia vara with distraction osteogenesis by using the circular external-fixation device. Twelve tibias in eight patients were treated. Preoperative proximal tibial varus averaged 18 degrees (range, 7-26 degrees). Postoperatively the mean deviation from standard anatomic alignment of the proximal tibia was 2.5 degrees (range, 0-7 degrees). All patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated throughout the 12 weeks of frame wear. Function was assessed by knee score and was improved in all patients at a mean follow-up of 23 months. There were no neurovascular complications or delayed unions. One patient required return to the operating room because of premature consolidation of his regenerate.