Temporary Proximal Tibial Epiphysiodesis for Correction of Leg Length Discrepancy in Children-Should Proximal Fibular Epiphysiodesis Be Performed Concomitantly?

The need for concomitant proximal fibular epiphysiodesis (PFE) when correcting leg length discrepancy (LLD) with temporary proximal tibial epiphysiodesis (PTE) in children is controversially discussed. This single center, retrospective cohort study analyzes proximal fibular growth in patients treated by PTE with and without concomitant PFE. Radiographic measurements were conducted before implantation and at implant removal. The position of the fibular head in relation to the tibia was assessed with recently established radiographic reference values. All patients (n = 58, 19 females) received PTE to treat LLD at a mean age of 12.2 years (range 7 to 15). In 27/58 (47%) concomitant PFE was performed. Mean follow-up was 36.2 months (range 14.2 to 78.0). The position of the proximal fibula at implant removal was within physiological range in 21/26 patients (81%) with PFE and in 21/30 patients (70%) without PFE. Proximal fibular overgrowth newly developed in 2/26 patients (8%) treated with PFE and in 5/30 patients (17%) treated without PFE (p = 0.431). Peroneal nerve injury or discomfort due to proximal fibular overlength was not reported. The position of the proximal fibula should be critically assessed preoperatively under consideration of reference values before PTE. In consequence of this study, the authors do not routinely perform PFE concomitantly with PTE for correction of moderate LLD in children if the proximal fibula is localized within physiological radiographic margins determined by the established reference values.

Automated summary

The study analyzed the controversy of concomitant PFE when correcting LLD with PTE in children, and found no significant difference in proximal fibular overgrowth or peroneal nerve discomfort between patients with or without PFE. The authors concluded that PFE may not be routinely performed if the proximal fibula is within physiological radiographic margins determined by reference values.