Comparison of complications associated with 8 shaped plates and cannulated screws use for the correction of angular deformities

Abstract

Background: The epiphysiodesis and hemiepiphysiodesis for correction of angular deformities in the lower limbs has evolved over time and today the use of transient techniques is preferred like are cannulated screws and eight plates. The aim of the study was to compare the outcome of patients with angular deformities treated with cannulated screws and eight shaped plates techniques and determine if there are differences in the outcome of patients.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed including pediatric patients treated at the Instituto de Ortopedia Infantil Roosevelt (IOIR) for angular deformities in their lower limbs from 2010 to 2012. A paired comparable cohort of patients in age, sex and diagnosis were assessed in their outcomes. For group 1 (eight shaped plate patient cohort) and group 2 (cannulated screws patient cohort) we evaluated the presence of pain, antalgic limp, edema, infection and inability to fully support lower limbs and crutches requirements.
Results: 6-month postoperative follow-up was performed. It was found in the assessments made in the first month of monitoring the presence of pain in 10 patients for group 1 and in 2 patients for group 2 (p < 0.05). We found that the antalgic limp, swelling, infection and inability to support have no statistically significant differences in the study group.
Discussion: The use of eight shaped plates is associated with the presence of increased pain in the immediate postoperative period in some patients, but this review suggests that a mediumterm pain improvement is seen in this group of patients, therefor not affecting the final clinical outcome.
Evidence level: III.