Limb length deceleration or coronal plane deformity correction using tension band plates: does plate configurations determine the intraarticular deformity of proximal tibia?

We studied whether the two-plate tension band configuration is more prone for intraarticular deformations than the single plate application used for coronal plane deformities (CPD). The study was based on radiological chart review (retrospective cross-sectional) of records of children [15 patients (30 plates) with limb length discrepancies (LLD) and 20 patients (36 plates) with CPD]. Interscrew angle, slope angle, and roof angle were compared in the initial postoperative and final radiographs to determine changes of tibial morphology. The mean patient age and follow up for the LLD and CPD groups respectively were 6.5 years, 39.8 months and 8.1 years, 15.5 months respectively. The interscrew angles widened between initial and final radiographs in the CPD group and for both sides in the LLD group. The initial and final slope angles were not significantly different in both LLD and CPD groups. Similar trend was observed for roof angle in either group. In the intergroup comparisons between LLD and CPD group, the slope angle of medial/lateral operated side in LLD group versus that of the operated side in CPD group matched statistically in the final radiographs. Similarly, the final roof angle in LLD and CPD groups was statistically similar. No significant intraarticular morphological change was demonstrated following tension band plating epiphysiodesis of the proximal tibia for our series involving young children. It was observed neither with the two-plate configuration used for limb length decelerations nor with the single plate application for coronal plane corrections.