Genu valgum correction by distal femoral lateral open wedge corrective osteotomy

Abstract

There are various conditions which effects normal growth of the physis. As femoral and tibial physis have maximum growth potential, any such diseases affects them most. Genu valgum is one such condition in which distal femur is commonly effected. The various etiologies are idiopathic, rickets, trauma, infections etc. The genu valgum is not only the cosmetic deformity but also alters biomechanics of knee and predispose knee to early lateral compartment osteoarthritis.After popularization of Steven’s 8 plate assisted growth modulation, the need of corrective osteotomy has declined considerably. For the mature skeleton corrective osteotomy is the only answer for correction. The level of osteotomy which is either metaphyseal or metadiaphyseal and the use of bone graft is merely the surgeon’s choice. The effect of acute correction over the lateral neurovascular bundle is not being studied clearly.Present study is the correction of genu valgum involving femoral component by distal femoral lateral based open wedge osteototomy without bone graft. The subclinical effect of osteotomy over the Common Peroneal nerve measured. The correction achieved, time required for the union of bone etc also documented.