Accuracy of Limb Equalization: Comparison of Epiphysiodesis and Motorized Intramedullary Lengthening Nail

Introduction: Our aim was to determine the complication rate and accuracy for correcting LLD with either epiphysiodesis or intramedullary lengthening.

Methods: Medical and radiographic records of 26 patients (14 boys, 12 girls) who underwent epiphysiodesis (Group A) and 24 patients (14 boys, 10 girls) who underwent intramedullary lengthening (Group B) were retrospectively reviewed. Group A was skeletally immature, underwent distal femoral or proximal tibial epiphysiodesis, and was followed to maturity. Group B was skeletally mature before lengthening.

Results: Group A had 14 tibiae and 12 femora. Mean age was 12.5 years (range, 10.5–15.5 years). Mean follow-up was 3.5 years (range, 0.8–7.4 years). Preoperative mean segment discrepancy was 2.2 cm (range, 0.8–4.1 cm), and final discrepancy (skeletal maturity) was 1.1 cm (range, 0–4.0 cm). Ten segments (39%) had >1.50 cm discrepancy, 5 (19%) had 1.00–1.49 cm discrepancy, and 11 (42%) had

Conclusion: When both treatments are available, patients/physicians must weigh complications associated with intramedullary lengthening versus uncorrected LLD associated with epiphysiodesis.