Deformity correction with submuscular plating technique in children

The results of femoral or tibial deformities corrected with the submsucular plating technique were evaluated. Nineteen deformities of 16 patients (mean age 9.8 years) were included. Through percutaneous corrective osteotomy, submuscular plating was carried out with locking plate. All deformities were successfully corrected and united without bone grafts in an average of 12 weeks. The average correction of deformity was 22.5°. Except one patient of complex deformity, most patients recovered the desired alignment without major complications. Submuscular plating may be an effective alternative for treating deformities in children, providing adequate stability without disadvantages of external fixator or intramedullary nail.