Guided Growth (Hemi-epiphysiodesis)
Why is Guided Growth Important?
Guided growth is a simple surgery used to help straighten the legs of children and teens who are still growing. It’s often done to fix knock-knees or bowlegs.
This surgery helps the bone grow in the right direction by putting a small metal plate or screw near the growth plate, which is the area where bones grow. The screw or plate stops the growth on one side of the leg allowing the other side to catch up. Over time, this helps the leg straighten naturally. Doing this can prevent the need for a bigger or more serious surgery later.
What Does the Guided Growth Procedure Entail?
During the procedure, the doctor makes a small cut near the knee. Then, a metal plate or screw is placed on one side of the growth plate. This slows the growth on that side of the bone, letting the other side catch up—so the leg can straighten out as the child grows.
Once the leg has grown into a better position, the plate or screws might be removed in a second, quick surgery. If a child is done growing, the hardware may stay in.
How Long Am I in the Hospital For?
Most patients go home the same day as surgery. Some cases may require a short overnight stay.
What are the possible risks and complications of surgery?
As with any surgery there is a risk of blood clots, nerve damage, and postoperative infection. Specific risks and complications include but aren’t limited to failure to heal, fracture, and hardware complications.
When can I drive?
With the left leg, it's ok to drive once you are off opioid medication and you can safely and easily bend your knee to 90 degrees, for the right leg, it depends on when you can safely regain your reaction time in order to keep you and others safe. This is typically around 8-10 weeks postoperatively but depends on your individual surgery and your recovery.
When can I resume jogging?
When you have demonstrated optimal single leg strength, often assessed by the ability to safely perform a controlled single leg step down, and completed a return to run progression under the supervision of your physical therapist and surgeon, you can begin jogging. This often starts with stationary bicycling with transition to elliptical and then treadmill intervals before full return to running.