Outcome of eight-plate hemiepiphysiodesis on genu valgum and height correction in bilateral fibular hemimelia.

Fibular hemimelia is the most common lower extremity congenital longitudinal deficiency leading to cosmetic deformity, pain, and gait disturbance. Eight-plate hemiepiphysiodesis has proven to be successful in correcting angular deformity of the knee; it is an easy surgical technique and yields a more rapid rate of correction. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of eight-plate hemiepiphysiodesis in bilateral genu valgum resulting from fibular hemimelia and overall height improvement in two girls and four boys with a mean age of 22 months who were followed up for a period of 18 months. The variables studied were arm span, the total height ratio, intermalleolar distance, tibiofemoral angle, and activity. All the parameters improved significantly. The mean improvement in the valgus was 7.41°. The mean intermalleolar distance reduced by 19.5 cm, and all patients achieved a significant improvement in lower limb function. Although there was significant improvement in total height, it still lagged behind arm span at the time of final follow-up. The results of eight-plate hemiepiphysiodesis were found to be satisfactory. We conclude that it is a reasonable treatment option for young patients with an adequate growth potential.