Guided Growth With Minifragment Plates for Angular Deformities in the Distal Radius in Skeletally Immature Patients. Preliminary Results.

Introduction: Growth modulation allows correction of progressive ulnar deviation of the distal radius in skeletally immature patients, which may occur as a consequence of various pathologies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiographic results and complication rate in a series of patients treated with minifragment plates.

Methods: The medical records of 12 patients who underwent guided growth with a minifragment plate on the radial aspect of the distal radius as a consequence of angular deformities in the distal radius were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, radiographic changes, and complication rate were analyzed.

Results: A total of 14 wrists and forearms were evaluated. The mean age at which surgery was performed was 10.5 years (interquartile range: 9.0 to 11.3). The average time between placement and removal of the material was 28.7 months (SD: 8,89). In each case, a general improvement of the radiographic parameters was obtained. There were 3 postoperative complications, but only 1 of them required reintervention (broken metaphyseal screw).

Conclusions: Hemiepiphysiodesis using a minifragment plate is a treatment that respects the surgical anatomy and offers an alternative surgical option for angular deformities of the distal radius in children.

Level of evidence: Level IV.