TREATMENT OF ADOLESCENT BLOUNT DISEASE WITH THE CIRCULAR EXTERNAL FIXATION DEVICE AND DISTRACTION OSTEOGENESIS

The purpose of this study was to review both the anatomic and function al results of treatment of adolescent tibia vara with distraction oste ogenesis by using the circular external-fixation device. Twelve tibias in eight patients were treated. Preoperative proximal tibial varus av eraged 18 degrees (range, 7-26 degrees). Postoperatively the mean devi ation from standard anatomic alignment of the proximal tibia was 2.5 d egrees (range, 0-7 degrees). All patients were allowed to weight bear as tolerated throughout the 12 weeks of frame wear. Function was asses sed by knee score and was improved in all patients at a mean follow-up of 23 months. There were no neurovascular complications or delayed un ions, One patient required return to the operating room because of pre mature consolidation of his regenerate.