Histological differences between various methods of hemiepiphysiodesis: is guided growth really different?

: Traditional systems of hemiepiphysiodesis are based on the application of asymmetrical compression to the physis to correct angular deformities. The guided growth method claims to act as a tension plate avoiding compression. The aim of this study was to confirm or refute this claim. Twenty-four White New Zealand rabbits were subjected to a proximal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis using either staples or a plate and two-screws method. Both methods succeeded in producing deformity. The initial existent histological differences between systems became less apparent after 6 weeks of hemiepiphysiodesis, when histological results were very similar. The findings suggest that the eight-plate system produces, like staples, compression of the physis, but the forces are applied more gradually.