outcomes of temporary hemi-epiphysiodesis using a new device for the treatment of pediatric valgus knee deformity: a preliminary report

Background: this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hemi-epiphysiodesis using a new device (x-plate) for the correction of genu valgum. methods: in total, 22 children with a total of 34 pathologic knee valgus deformities underwent the procedure and were followed up 25.3 months on average. results: the mean time to clinical correction of genu valgum was 10.9±2.2 months. furthermore, the mean preoperative anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aldfa) and mechanical tibia femoral angle (mtfa) were obtained at 75.1±3.8 and 6±2.8 degrees, respectively. when clinical correction of the deformity was achieved, the mean of aldfa and mtfa corrections were determined at 8.9±5.3 and 6.5±3.2 degrees, respectively. the mean speed of aldfa and mtfa corrections were estimated at 0.8±0.45 and 0.6±0.3 degrees per month, respectively. the postoperative aldfa and mtfa were measured at 84±4.2 and -0.8±2.9 on average. with a mean of 25.3±14.5 months at final follow-up, there were 6 (17.6%) mild valgus knees, 26 (75.5%) normal alignment knees, and only 2 (5.9%) mild varus knee within an acceptable clinical limit. conclusion: hemi-epiphysiodesis using x-plate at the distal physis of the femur is an effective and safe method for the treatment of valgus knee deformity in children.