Plate vs. Screw for Guided Growth in Coronal Knee Deformities

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two surgical techniques, Tension Band Plate (TBP) and Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis by Transphyseal Screw (PETS), in children with coronal angular knee deformities. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Which technique provides better correction of coronal knee deformities? * Are there differences in complication rates or recovery times between TBP and PETS? Participants will: * Undergo either TBP or PETS surgery for knee deformity correction. * Attend follow-up visits for radiographic and clinical evaluations. Researchers will compare TBP and PETS groups to see if one method leads to better deformity correction and fewer complications.

Genu varum and genu valgum are common lower limb deformities observed in children and adolescents. These conditions often require guided growth techniques for correction. One widely accepted approach for modulating growth and gradually correcting these deformities is temporary Hemi-epiphysiodesis. The two most commonly used techniques for this purpose are the Tension Band Plate (TBP) e.g. Eight-Plate and Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis using Transphyseal Screws (PETS). While both methods have proven effective, there remains ongoing debate about their relative efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes. The TBP technique, introduced as a less invasive method of guided growth, involves placing a non-locking plate and screws across the growth plate on one side allowing controlled correction without permanent damage to the physis. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating angular deformities with a lower risk of growth plate closure, but concerns remain regarding implant migration, breakage, and rebound deformity post-removal. Conversely, PETS offers a minimally invasive alternative where transphyseal screws modulate growth without requiring plate fixation. Some studies suggest PETS may provide more rapid correction with fewer complications, while others highlight the potential risk of premature physeal closure, which could lead to limb length discrepancies. Despite the widespread use of both techniques, there is limited high-quality comparative data to determine the superior method in terms of correction rate, complication profile, and long-term functional outcomes. A randomized controlled study comparing TBP and PETS is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines, optimize patient outcomes, and refine surgical decision-making in the management of genu varum and genu valgum. Our novel introduction of the Bone-Length Adjusted Correction Rate as a new criterion will further enhance the measurement of effectiveness for these interventions.