Epiphyseodesis in children
The term “Odesis” is used to describe a stiffening in the knee joint joint gap. This surgical technique offers another possibility to correct the knock-knees. Since it is a variant that aims to straighten the leg axis through the body’s own bone formation, this technique is only possible in children whose long tubular bones still have a clear growth gap.
For the correction of bow legs, a small skin incision is made on the inside of the knee joint. Then a small plate (eight-plate) is attached to the inner part of the growth plate with two screws. It prevents further bone growth on this side, while the outer side of the growth plate can continue to grow normally.
This straightens the angular deviation of the leg. In most cases, in-patient treatment in hospital does not take longer than 3-4 days. Afterwards, the operated leg should not be fully loaded.
For 14 days the child receives crutches. At regular intervals, the course of growth is checked. The correction of the malposition can be assessed by means of X-rays.
This should also help to determine the right time to remove the plate and screws. In many children, the leg axis is straightened after about a year so that the plate can be removed and the bones have the correct angle.