Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis for idiopathic genua valga in adolescents: percutaneous transphyseal screws (PETS) versus stapling.

BACKGROUND: Genua valga are not merely a cosmetic problem but also predispose to gonarthrosis in adult life. In our retrospective study of 25 patients, we reviewed our present technique of medial hemiepiphysiodesis using percutaneous screws and compared it with our own results of stapling.

METHODS: Clinical evaluation was performed by estimation of the intermalleolar distance, radiological assessment by measuring the hip-knee-ankle angle until skeletal maturity. Average chronological age at the time of surgery was 14.5 years for boys and 12.7 years for girls. Average bone age (main indicator for timing of surgery) was 14.3 years for boys and 12.8 years for girls.

RESULTS: There is an average rebound phenomenon after removal of the screws of 2 degrees in one third of our patients. In another third of our patients' population, however, we observed a progression of correction of an average of 2 degrees. More than 90% of the patients were satisfied. None received revision surgery. There was only one person with an uncosmetic scar.

CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous screws as treatment of idiopathic genua valga in children seem to be as safe and reliable as stapling but are a less invasive and a more cosmetic treatment.