Guided growth modulation

In children and adolescents, remaining growth potential in long bones of the lower limb can be harnessed in a controlled fashion to correct deformities without a need for more invasive osteotomy (controlled break and realignment of bone) procedures. This is done by tactically placing a plate and screws to tether and temporarily prevent one side of a bone from growing whilst allowing the other side to continue to grow. Once the deformity has corrected over time, the plate and screws can be removed to allow normal growth on both sides of the bone again.

This technique is commonly used to correct deformities around the knee including but not limited to severe knock knees or bow legs with or without a preceding traumatic event.