USE OF ORTHOFIX T-GARCHE FIXATOR IN LATE-ONSET TIBIA VARA

The treatment of late-onset tibia vara has not been well described. Hi gh tibial corticotomies and use of the Orthofix T-Garche fixator were performed on 11 children (14 knees) with late-onset tibia vara. The av erage age at surgery was 12 years, and follow-up was 2 years. Minimum follow-up was until completion of growth. Angular deformities were mea sured by using the tibiofemoral angle, metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle, a nd the mechanical axis both preoperatively and on removal of the fixat ion device. Union was accomplished in 7-12 weeks, and the total time w ith the appliance averaged 9 weeks. Complications included superficial pin-tract infections (two) and a transient nerve palsy (one). High ti bial corticotomy followed by corrective gradual distraction osteosynth esis by using the Orthofix T-Garche fixator is effective in correcting angular deformity and alleviating knee pain. Advantages of this techn ique include ease of application, immediate weight bearing, and minima l discomfort with hardware removal, Disadvantages include difficulty i n obtaining adequate radiographs with the anteriorly based fixation de vice, pin-tract infections, and the high degree of patient compliance needed.