title: Corrective lower limb osteotomies in children using temporary external fixation and percutaneous locking plates.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We describe a new method for corrective osteotomy and the fixation of lower limb deformities in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following osteotomy, the desired position is obtained and temporarily stabilized using an external fixator. Definitive fixation is performed with a plate and locking screws inserted percutaneously under fluoroscopic guidance. The procedure was performed in 18 segments in 11 patients. Corrections were performed in all planes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow up was 18 months (range 6-36 months). All patients were corrected to within 2 degrees of that which was planned. Union was obtained in 16 segments in ten patients within 6-16 weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The method was found to be effective for the correction of deformity in the pediatric population. Advantages compared to conventional methods include minimal soft tissue dissection and the ability to adjust the position before definitive fixation.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Orthopedic Unit, Schneider Children's Medical Center, 14 Kaplan St., 49202, Petah Tikva, Israel, elbar@013.net.
authors.forename: Elhanan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bar-On
authors.forename: Tali
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Becker
authors.forename: Kalman
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Velkes
authors.forename: Moshe
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salai
authors.forename: Daniel M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Weigl