title: [Special topics in pediatric orthopedics: options and limits of growth guidance].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A main task of pediatric orthopedics is the treatment of legs of different lengths or misshapen legs. Whereas for adult patients complicated and invasive operative interventions are necessary, the growth potential of the epiphysial plate can be utilized in childhood and adolescence to correct leg length differences and leg axis deformities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Epiphysiodesis leads to a guidance of growth via a temporary or permanent and partial or complete blockade of the epiphysial plate depending on the indications. This method is principally a less invasive procedure with few complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Careful preoperative assessment of the indications and planning, precise operative technique and attentive postoperative control investigations are absolutely essential for successful treatment.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Kinderorthopädie, Deformitätenrekonstruktion und Fußchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1, Gebäude A1, 48149, Münster, Deutschland, kinderorthopaedie@ukmuenster.de.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horter
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rödl
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001852:Bone Lengthening / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007870:Leg Length Inequality / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome