Treatment of Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica with Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2022 Apr 1;12(2):1-6. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00668.

Abstract

Case: We present a case of dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica (DEH) involving the posteromedial distal femur in a 4-year-old girl. The patient underwent lesion resection with internal fixation of the articular cartilage followed by autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to restore the articular surface and epiphysis. At the 7-year follow-up, the patient had no pain or difficulty with participation in sports. Advanced imaging showed a stable articular surface with evidence of durable cartilage integration.

Conclusion: DEH is a rare disease often treated by resection. In cases where the articular surface of the knee is involved, we have demonstrated that augmentation with ACI can be an effective treatment option.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases, Developmental* / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Diseases, Developmental* / pathology
  • Bone Diseases, Developmental* / surgery
  • Cartilage, Articular* / surgery
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chondrocytes
  • Female
  • Femur / abnormalities
  • Femur / pathology
  • Femur / surgery
  • Humans
  • Tibia / abnormalities

Supplementary concepts

  • Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica