Comparison of three surgical epiphysiodesis techniques for the treatment of lower limb length discrepancy

Three operative techniques for epiphysiodesis to correct lower limb length discrepancy (LLD) are compared : the Phemister technique, the percutaneous drilling-curettage technique and percutaneous epiphysiodesis using a transphyseal screw. Between 1987 and 2008, 92 patients with LLD were treated by surgical epiphysiodesis. Eighty patients were available for this retrospective study. No statistically significant difference was found between the three techniques concerning their efficiency in correction of lower limb length discrepancy. Percutaneous epiphysiodesis using a transphyseal screw appeared to be the best technique regarding mean operative time, mean hospitalisation time, postoperative pain and recovery of ambulation in the postoperative period. Complication rates were similar with the three techniques.