epiphysiodesis
Pronunciation: eh-FIZ-ee-oh-DEE-sis
A surgical procedure that arrests growth at a bone's growth plate to treat limb length discrepancies or angular deformities.
Full Definition
Epiphysiodesis is a surgical procedure designed to permanently arrest growth at one or more physes (growth plates) to correct limb length discrepancies or angular deformities. The procedure can be performed using various techniques including drilling, curettage, or implantation of screws or staples across the physis. Timing is critical and requires careful calculation of growth remaining and predicted final discrepancy. The procedure is irreversible and requires precise preoperative planning using bone age studies and growth prediction algorithms.
Usage
Usage note: Not hyphenated. Distinguish from temporary growth modulation procedures like guided growth.
In Context
- "Distal femoral epiphysiodesis was planned to address the projected 4 cm limb length discrepancy at maturity." — surgical planning note
- "The patient underwent percutaneous epiphysiodesis using cannulated screws across the distal femoral and proximal tibial physes." — operative report