Correction of genu varum in a patient with achondroplasia using guided growth technique: Case report and review of the literature

Guided growth, or temporary hemiepiphysiodesis, has been reported to successfully correct coronal plane deformities of the lower extremities in children with diseases that directly affect the physis (ie, "sick physes"). However, there has been concern in previous literature that children with "sick physes" due to metabolic bone diseases or skeletal dysplasias would not be suitable for correct ion w it h g u ide d g row t h due to restr ic te d g row t h, irregular physeal growth patterns, or iatrogenic arrest of the physis. Achondroplasia is a common skeletal dysplasia and presents with rhizomelic shortening of the long bones with significant angular deformities. We report the use of the guided growth technique to correct coronal plane deformity in a child with achondroplasia and symptomatic genu varum.