Hemiepiphysiodesis for Treating Lower Limb Deformities in Children with Hypophosphatemic Rickets: Can Diaphyseal Angular Deformities Be Corrected Concurrently?

Abstract Aims: This study was conducted to explore the ability of hemiepiphysiodesis to correct mechanical axis deformities of the long bones and concurrently improve diaphyseal angular deformities, and further analyze the correlation between corrections of mechanical and diaphyseal anatomical axis angular deformities. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 11 pediatric patients with hypophosphatemic rickets who underwent hemiepiphysiodesis at our hospital from July 2017 to July 2022. General clinical data were collected, and parameters of radiographs were measured and statistically analyzed. Results: At the last follow-up, the correction of TMag1 was statistically significant (P=0.002) compared to preoperative values, while corrections of FMag1, FMag2, and TMag2 were not statistically significant (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between FMag2 and mLPFA (0.43). FMag1 showed a weak correlation with mLDFA (0.38) and mMPTA (0.35). For each degree correction in mLPFA, FMag2 corrected by an average of 1.2°. For each degree correction in mLDFA, FMag1 corrected by an average of 0.6°. For each degree correction in mMPTA, FMag1 corrected by an average of 1.2°. Conclusion: Hemiepiphysiodesis in children with hypophosphatemic rickets can correct mechanical axis deformities of the lower limbs and partially improve diaphyseal anatomical axis angular deformities. Level of Evidence:Retrospective comparative study, III