Novel Radiographic Analysis of Guided Growth for Knee Flexion Contractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Anterior-Distal Hemiepiphysiodesis of the Femur via Utilization of Blumensaat's Line

In 2007, Stevens and Klatt introduced the guided growth concept, which advanced the surgical treatment of knee deformities, particularly in the coronal plane. In the case of sagittal plane deformity, further analyses of guided growth are needed. The incorporation of a consistent and effective radiographic measuring technique to evaluate knee flexion contracture deformity (KFCD) angular correction does not currently exist and would greatly supplement patient evaluation. This retrospective study investigated the guided growth procedure via a novel radiographic measuring technique involving Blumensaat's line. The radiographs of 8 patients (13 knees) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included patients treated at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children between 2010 and 2014. The following variables were identified and extracted from each patient chart: age at time of surgery, gender, clinical diagnosis, unilateral or bilateral procedure, pre- and post-procedure KFCD angle, duration of treatment, and whether or not the patient had their plates removed.