Angular deformity of the lower extremity: evaluation with quantitative bone scintigraphy. Work in progress.

A technique for quantitative analysis of growth plates in varus or valgus deformity about the knee has been developed. Computer-generated regions of interest are placed on magnification scintigraphs to divide distal femoral and proximal tibial physes into four equal segments. The ratio of counts in the medial half to counts in the lateral half was studied in 34 children (23 healthy, 11 with angular deformity). Normal ratios were 0.74-0.98 for femurs and 0.98-1.20 for tibias. An above-normal ratio correlated with the presence of valgus deformity and a below-normal ratio with varus deformity. This technique may provide a means of monitoring growth after trauma or infection.