title: Thermal epiphysiodesis performed with radio frequency in a porcine model.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Current techniques for epiphysiodesis involve opening of cortical windows; use of staples, screws, and tension devices; and fusion with curettes or drills. Complications may have serious consequences. There is a need for a more reliable, precise, and less traumatic procedure that overcomes the known complications from existing techniques. We analyzed a new epiphysiodesis technique using radio-frequency ablation (RFA) in a porcine model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six 35-kg and two 25-kg immature pigs were used. 1 hind leg of each animal was randomly selected and the proximal tibia growth plate was ablated laterally and medially. The contralateral leg was used as a control. MR images were obtained immediately after the ablation and 12 weeks later for 6 animals, and 24 weeks later for the other 2 animals. CT was done for the 2 animals that were followed for 24 weeks for proof of bone bridges.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both tibias were equal in length initially. At the 12-week follow-up, there was an average leg length discrepancy of 3.9 mm (95% CI: 3.0-4.8), and at 24 weeks the difference was 8.4 mm and 7.5 mm. No damage to the adjacent tissue was found. Bone bridges and physeal closure were found after 24 weeks. The pigs showed no discomfort after the intervention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We found RFA to be feasible for epiphysiodesis in a pig model. The method is minimally invasive and recovery may be quick compared to conventional methods. We recommend that the method should be tested in larger-scale safety studies before clinical application.
authors.affiliation: Aarhus University , Orthopaedic Research Laboratory.
authors.forename: Juan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Shiguetomi-Medina
authors.forename: Ole
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Rahbek
authors.forename: Ahmed Abdul-Hussein
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Abood
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Stødkilde-Jørgensen
authors.forename: Bjarne
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Møller-Madsen
mesh_terms: D055011:Ablation Techniques / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000601:surgery; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D016634:Radiosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D013977:Tibia / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery