Epiphysiodesis

Epiphysiodesis
Intervention
ICD-9-CM 78.2

Epiphysiodesis is a pediatric surgical procedure in which the epiphyseal (growth) plate of a bone is fused either temporarily or permanently to delay growth of a long bone. This procedure is often used to slow or halt the growth of a morphologically normal leg to allow a shorter leg to grow to a matching length.

Limitations

The procedure must be performed for an appropriate duration during the patient's adolescent growth phase so that the limbs are near-equal in length by the end of skeletal growth. Poor timing can lead to a length mismatch, resulting in poor outcomes and significant patient morbidity.

References

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