Limb deformities in children are relatively common and occasionally require surgical treatment. Techniques that take advantage of open growth plates are unique and allow for gradual correction with significantly less morbidity than osteotomy. The I-Plate and O-Plate from OrthoPediatrics are robust, minimally invasive and allow for immediate weight bearing, thus enhancing a speedy postoperative recovery.
The concept of physeal tethering has been successful clinically for many years. Physeal stapling has largely been replaced by newer devices such as the I-Plate and O-Plate which are stronger, lower profile, simpler and safer to use. The goal of the I-Plate and O-Plate is to produce gradual deformity correction by a temporary growth plate tether on one side while the opposite side continues to grow.
This results in gradual deformity correction. The I-Plate and O-Plate is then removed once the correction is achieved, permitting continued growth.
Distal tibial deformities in children are also relatively common and may require surgical treatment to correct the rotational malalignment.
Most surgeons prefer to osteotomise the tibia in the metaphyseal area due to an increased healing potential. Current fixation systems do not allow for correction of these deformities through the metaphysis. The pioneer concept of utilising an H-Plate to correct distal tibial rotational deformities has recently been implemented with solid results.
The H-Plate is low profile, made of stainless steel, which provides superior strength, resistance to breakage and still allows contouring in 3 planes. These attributes lead to a safer and simpler technique allowing the osteotomy to be performed as close to the epiphysis as possible and minimising the length of incisions.
