Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
10.21608/aimj.2025.446542
Abstract
Background: Genu valgum, a common orthopedic condition, causes lateral mechanical axis deviation and can lead to knee damage. Distal femur wedge osteotomy with fixator-assisted plating corrects this deformity acutely, letting surgeons assess and maintain correction before final fixation.
Objective: This study evaluates the clinical and radiological outcomes of adults with genu valgum femoral deformity treated with distal femoral osteotomy and fixator-assisted plating. It assesses the benefits, accuracy, functional results, and complications of this technique.
Materials and Methods: A prospective case series study was conducted from July 2023 to July 2024, involving 20 patients treated with fixator-assisted plating.
Results: The study included 20 patients (13 females, 7 males) with a mean age of 22 years (range 14-42). Etiologies included post-rachitic (30%), post-traumatic (25%), and idiopathic (45%) causes. Preoperatively, the mean mLDFA was 78±4.34°, TFA was 15±4.2°, and MAD was 29±5.49 mm. Postoperatively, these values improved to mLDFA 88±1.95°, TFA 6±1.31°, and MAD 5±1.92 mm. Seventeen patients achieved excellent functional outcomes based on the Bostman score, while three had good satisfaction. Complications: Complications included overcorrection in three cases, one case of delayed union, and one case of limited knee flexion that improved with physiotherapy. No cases of nonunion, infection, neurovascular injury, or implant failure were reported.
Conclusion: Fixator-assisted plating of the distal femur is a simple, safe, and low-cost procedure that provides accurate and successful correction of acute deformities, yielding excellent functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
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