Epiphyseal stapling of the proximal tibia for idiopathic genu valgum

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of hemiepiphysiodesis with a single medial staple of the proximal tibia in idiopathic genu valgum angular correction. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed identifying nine adolescents (18 knees) treated for idiopathic adolescent genu valgum by means of a bilateral hemiepiphysiodesis with a single staple of the proximal tibia. The intermalleolar distance (IMD) and hip-knee-ankle angle were measured at skeletal maturity. RESULTS: The IMD and hip-knee-ankle angle were reduced in all patients at skeletal maturity. CONCLUSION: Hemiepiphysiodesis with a single medial staple of the proximal tibia seems to be a reliable and safe alternative method to achieve correction of an idiopathic genu valgum.