COMPLICATIONS IN PROXIMAL TIBIAL OSTEOTOMIES IN CHILDREN WITH PRESENTATION OF TECHNIQUE

Proximal tibial osteotomies in children have been associated with a nu mber of complications, including peroneal nerve palsies, compartment s yndromes, deep and superficial infections, vascular injuries, iatrogen ic fractures, apophyseal or growth plate damage, and recurrence of def ormity. A retrospective review of the results of 22 children who had 3 0 primary and seven repeat proximal tibial osteotomies was performed t o assess the frequency of complications at our institution. Using a sp ecified technique that included prophylactic anterior compartment fasc iotomy and distal fibulectomy, there were three superficial wound infe ctions and one delayed union but no peroneal nerve palsies, vascular i njuries, compartment syndromes, or fixation failures. There were no se quelae from the superficial infections. This is a lower rate of compli cations than previously reported in the literature and suggests a rela tionship to our current surgical technique and attention to detail. We believe that proximal tibial osteotomies can be performed successfull y and safely in children when the surgeon recognizes the potential pro blems and takes steps to prevent them.