title: Synovial fistula after tension band plating for genu valgum correction.
abstract: Tension band plating is a commonly performed procedure to address angular deformities about the knee in children. We present a case of a synovial fistula formation after tension band plate removal, an unreported complication in the literature. An 11-year-old girl underwent tension band plating for genu valgum. After removal of the plate, she developed a synovial fistula that was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. Her knee was immobilized in extension, which allowed the synovial fistula to heal. The unique capsular anatomy in the knee provides a possible etiology. Physicians performing tension band plating should be aware of this complication and consider a brief period of immobilization of 3 to 5 days after hardware removal to allow the capsular rent to heal.
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Momaya
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ray
authors.affiliation: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. jkhoury@uabmc.edu.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Khoury
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D020878:Device Removal; D005260:Female; D005402:Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D056304:Genu Valgum / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017746:Joint Capsule / Q000293:injuries*; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D013582:Synovial Fluid