P0860 - Timeline to Physeal Closure After Epiphysiodesis Surgery About the Wrist

Background
Partial or complete physeal arrest about the wrist can occur due to a variety of pediatric and adolescent conditions. At times, an ephiphysiodesis is warranted to prevent more deformity and/or ulnar abutment syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine the length of time until complete physeal closure following an epiphysiodesis procedure about the wrist.

Methods
A retrospective review was performed to assess time to complete physeal closure following an epiphysiodesis procedure about the wrist. Patients were excluded if they did not return for follow-up radiographs within 1 year. Complete physeal arrest was determined by the senior author reviewing the radiographs for bridging trabeculae across the entirety of the physis. Simple statistics were performed.

Results
Fourteen patients (8 male, 6 female) were identified that underwent an ephiphysiodesis procedure about the wrist. 64% (9/14) of the procedures were performed on the distal radius and distal ulna, 28% (4/14) were performed on the distal ulna only, and 7% (1/14) were performed on the distal radius only. 29% (4/14) of the patients underwent bilateral procedures. The average age at the time of surgery was 13.4 years (SD=1.6, range: 10.7-15.6 years). The average time to complete physeal closure was 3.49 months (SD=1.66 months, range: 1.6-7.2). All patients had complete closure of the physis following the index procedure with none requiring a repeat epiphysiodesis. No complications occurred in this cohort.

Conclusion
Epiphysiodesis procedures about the wrist are sometimes necessary to address various pediatric and adolescent conditions. This study demonstracted that the average time to complete physeal arrest following an ephiphysiodesis procedure was 3.5 months. This information can be utilized to counsel patients and family members regarding the recovery time following an ephiphysiodesis procedure.