Corrective lower limb osteotomies in children using temporary external fixation and percutaneous locking plates

Background We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children. Methods Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws in...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of children's orthopaedics 2009-04, Vol.3 (2), p.137-143
Main Authors: Bar-On, Elhanan, Becker, Tali, Katz, Kalman, Velkes, Steven, Salai, Moshe, Weigl, Daniel M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Demographics
Fractures
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Original Clinical
Original Clinical Article
Orthopedics
Patients
Pediatrics
Surgery
Traumatic Surgery
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Summary:Background We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children. Methods Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was performed in 18 segments in 11 patients. Corrections were performed in all planes. Results The mean follow up was 18 months (range 6–36 months). All patients were corrected to within 2° of that which was planned. Union was obtained in 16 segments in ten patients within 6–16 weeks. Conclusions The method was found to be effective for the correction of deformity in the pediatric population. Advantages compared to conventional methods include minimal soft tissue dissection and the ability to adjust the position before definitive fixation.
ISSN:1863-2521
1863-2548
DOI:10.1007/s11832-009-0165-x