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Long-term results after adolescent Blount's disease
T Ingvarsson1, G Hägglund, B Ramgren
1Department of Orthopedics, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Part B
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Most children with adolescent Blount's disease achieve straight legs by middle age, often without pain or arthrosis. Some cases resolve without any childhood intervention, indicating potential for natural healing.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Skeletal Dysplasias
Background:
- Adolescent Blount's disease is a progressive condition causing knee deformities.
- Understanding long-term outcomes is crucial for treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term outcomes of adolescent Blount's disease.
- To assess the impact of different treatment modalities on knee function and arthrosis.
Main Methods:
- Long-term follow-up of 23 patients (average age 47 years) with adolescent Blount's disease.
- Analysis of outcomes based on treatment: no treatment, physiodesis, or proximal tibial osteotomy.
- Assessment of knee pain, alignment, and presence of arthrosis at follow-up.
Main Results:
- Most patients reported no or mild knee pain at middle age.
- Nine knees (out of 27 affected) showed signs of arthrosis.
- A significant proportion of patients achieved a straight leg alignment post-treatment or spontaneously.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent Blount's disease often leads to favorable long-term outcomes with straight legs and minimal pain.
- Non-operative management or early surgical intervention can yield good results.
- Spontaneous resolution without treatment is observed in some cases.