ESPE Abstracts

Background: Percutaneous epiphysiodesis (PE) around the knee is the treatment of choice in the Netherlands to reduce predicted excessive final height. Studies until now are limited, had small numbers of patients and short follow-up periods.

Objective and hypotheses: This nationwide Dutch long-term retrospective follow-up study aimed to assess final height (FH), complications and satisfaction after PE. Primary hypothesis was: ‘The PE around the knee is an effective and safe treatment to reduce final height in constitutionally tall boys and girls.’

Method: All constitutionally tall boys and girls who were surgically treated with PE in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2015 were included and their outcomes were compared with those of controls who did not receive any treatment. Anthropometric data were collected including height, weight, and measurements to evaluate body proportions as well as complication records of surgery. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding satisfaction, late consequences and current function of the knee.

Results: In total, approximately 400 constitutionally tall boys and girls were surgically treated in the Netherlands between 2006 and 2015. Preliminary results showed that FH in the intervention group (n=16) was 194 cm (r:180–217), with a prediction of 202 cm (r:185–224). In controls (n=8), FH was 195,5 (r:180–204) with a prediction of 196 cm (r:180–207) In this sample, final height reduction via PE was 8 cm (r:2–17). Reported surgical complications were limited angle of squatting, long caput fibulae and pain after prolonged exercise. Patients were highly satisfied with the outcome of the operation and all would recommend PE as treatment of choice for relatives and friends with tall stature.

Conclusion: Results in this first sample of the cohort of 400 patients showed a remarkable reduction of final height. Satisfaction was high, despite minor reported complications. The sample size will be extended to the whole cohort of 400 young adults.