Introduction: Angular deformities of the lower limbs in children, particularly genu valgum and genu varum, are common conditions in pediatric orthopedics. When they persist or worsen, they can lead to functional impairment, pain, gait abnormalities, and early osteoarthritis. Growth modulation using an eight-plate currently represents a minimally invasive alternative to conventional corrective techniques. The general objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of eight-plate growth modulation in correcting lower limb angular deformities in children. The specific objectives were: to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes obtained after treatment; to identify factors associated with therapeutic success or failure; to evaluate the complications related to this surgical technique; and to compare our results with data from the international literature.
Material and Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study between January 2017 and December 2024 at the Department of Pediatric Orthopedics and Traumatology of the Abderrahim Harouchi Mother-Child Hospital in Casablanca. Children presenting with genu valgum or genu varum treated by growth modulation using an eight-plate were included. Data collected included epidemiological characteristics, etiology of the deformities, radiological parameters, duration of correction, and postoperative complications. Therapeutic success was defined as a satisfactory correction of the mechanical axis without the need for additional osteotomy.
Results: Eleven patients, corresponding to 13 knees, were included. The mean age was 7 years (range: 3.5 to 11 years). Genu valgum accounted for 7 cases and genu varum for 4 cases. The mean preoperative femorotibial angle was 16.6°. The mean duration of plate retention was 18 months. A satisfactory correction of the mechanical axis was achieved in 82% of cases. The two observed failures occurred in patients with Blount's disease. No deep infections or mechanical hardware failures were reported. Localized pain at the plate site was reported by four patients.
Conclusion: Growth modulation using an eight-plate is a reliable, effective, and minimally invasive technique for correcting lower limb angular deformities in children. It allows for progressive and physiological correction with low postoperative morbidity. This technique should be considered as a first-line treatment in children with sufficient residual growth potential.