Multicenter Series of Deformity Correction Using Guided Growth in the Setting of Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Abstract

Background: The mainstay of deformity correction and fracture prevention for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) includes osteotomies and intramedullary rodding. Guided growth, described in the setting of skeletal dysplasias, offers a less invasive means of deformity correction. We report a multicenter case series of guided growth procedures in the setting of OI.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with OI at three institutions from April 2012 to April 2019: 18 patients underwent guided growth for angular deformity correction with minimum 1-year follow-up or full deformity correction and removal of guided growth hardware. Clinical characteristics, deformity measurements, and complications were collected. Distal femoral and proximal tibial hemiepiphysiodesis was performed using figure-of-eight plates and screws, and distal tibial medial hemiepiphysiodesis with cannulated screws. Preoperative and postoperative lateral distal femoral angle, medial proximal tibial angle, and lateral distal tibial angle were measured. Frequency and descriptive statistics were completed.

Results: Eighteen patients with OI (five-I, four-III, six-IV, three-V) underwent 33 guided growth procedures with mean follow-up of 3.09 years; all received routine bisphosphonate treatment. Preoperative and postoperative mean joint angles were measured. The location for hemiepiphysiodesis included 8 distal femoral medial, 2 distal femoral lateral, 8 proximal tibial medial, 3 proximal tibial lateral, and 12 distal tibial medial. Twelve of the 33 procedures were in patients who had an intramedullary rod; 1 demonstrated backout of the epiphyseal and metaphyseal screws of a distal femoral medial figure-of-eight plate. It was revised to a larger plate with longer screws and removed upon completion of deformity correction.

Conclusion: Guided growth may be used as an effective means of angular deformity correction with dysplastic OI bone. Having an intramedullary rod did not preclude the use of a guided growth technique. One procedure demonstrated screw backout. Given the short stature associated with OI, performing a guided growth procedure at an early enough age to allow time for correction should be considered.

Level of evidence: Level IV-case series.