DE-EPIPHYSIODESIS OR CHONDRODIASTASIS

Purpose: Physeal distraction can be used for the treatment of the consequences of epiphysiodesis bridges, correcting simultaneously angular deformations and length discrepancy.Material and methods: Chondrodiastasis was performed in six children aged 13.1 years (range 10.4–15.7). The cause of the epiphysiodesis was trauma in three children (2 distal tibia, 1 distal radius), osteomyelitis in two (distal femur), and surgical sequela of a clubfoot (distal tibia). Mean follow-up was two years (18 months – 4 years). An Ilizarov device was used in four cases and an Orthofix in two.Results: Limb length discrepancy was corrected in all cases. Angular correction was insufficient in two. Distraction was continued for four months (1–9) and total duration of treatment was 7.5 months (4–13). Minor complications were pin track infection (n=2) and joint stiffness (n=3). Major complications were one fracture of the femur on a pin site and premature closure of the growth cartilage treated by callotasis and one fracture aft...