Distal tibial physeal bridge: a complication from a tension band plate and screw construct. Report of a case

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2013 May;22(3):259-63. doi: 10.1097/BPB.0b013e32834f0477.

Abstract

We report on a case of a tension band plate and screw construct (Eight Plate) used over the anterior distal tibia in an 9-year-old girl in an attempt to induce recurvatum of the ankle joint to correct a recalcitrant equinus deformity. With growth of the distal tibial physis, the epiphyseal screw was drawn through the physis into the distal tibial metaphysis, resulting in the creation of a transphyseal bony bar. Caution should be exercised when attempting temporary hemiepiphyseodesis using a plate and screw construct in small epiphyses or in an osteopenic bone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthrodesis / adverse effects
  • Arthrodesis / methods
  • Bone Plates / adverse effects*
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects*
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Child
  • Clubfoot / diagnostic imaging
  • Clubfoot / surgery*
  • Device Removal
  • Epiphyses / growth & development
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Growth Plate / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Ilizarov Technique*
  • Osteophyte / diagnostic imaging
  • Osteophyte / etiology
  • Osteophyte / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Tibia / diagnostic imaging
  • Tibia / physiopathology
  • Tibia / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome