Wagner multiple K-wire osteosynthesis to correct coxa vara in the young child: Experience with a versatile 'tailor-made' high angle blade plate equivalent

In 1978, Wagner described a technique using multiple Kirschner wires (K-wir es) to stabilize an intertrochanteric osteotomy performed for the correctio n of coxa vara in small children. Multiple K-wires are used to create a cus tom high-angle blade plate for valgus osteotomy. The authors have evaluated a retrospective series of 17 Wagner intertrochanteric osteotomies that wer e performed in 10 children with coxa vara between the ages of 1 year and 8 years. The neck-shaft angle was corrected from 93.5 degrees to 129.5 degree s at long-term follow-up, and the Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle was correct ed from 71 degrees to 37.6 degrees at long-term follow-up. Revision surgery was performed on five hips with inadequate initial surgical correction. Co mplications included a single broken K-wire, a femur fracture after hardwar e removal, and one hip developed avascular necrosis postoperatively.