Efficacy and Safety of Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis Operation around the Knee to Reduce Adult Height in Extremely Tall Adolescent Girls and Boys

Abstract

<p/> <p><it>Objective</it>. The aim was to determine efficacy and safety of a surgical method to reduce adult height in extremely tall adolescents. <it>Methods</it>. Data for all girls (<inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i1.gif"/></inline-formula>) and boys (<inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i2.gif"/></inline-formula>) in our center subjected to bilateral percutaneous epiphysiodesis around the knee who had reached final height were included. Final height predictions were based on hand and wrist X-rays before surgery. <it>Results</it>. When compared to prediction, adult height was reduced by <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i3.gif"/></inline-formula> cm in treated girls (<inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i4.gif"/></inline-formula>) and <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i5.gif"/></inline-formula> cm in treated boys (<inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i6.gif"/></inline-formula>) corresponding to a <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i7.gif"/></inline-formula>% and <inline-formula><graphic file="1687-9856-2010-740629-i8.gif"/></inline-formula>% reduction of remaining growth, respectively. Besides mild to moderate postoperative pain reported in 9 operated individuals, no other side effects were reported. Postoperative X-rays confirmed growth plate closure and absence of leg angulations. <it>Conclusions</it>. Bilateral epiphysiodesis is an effective and safe method to reduce adult height in extremely tall girls and boys. </p>