[Can one determine the age at which epiphysiodesis should be performed in the treatment of genu valgum in the adolescent?].

The authors describe a simplified method for the assessment of the correct time at which tibial epiphyseal arrest may be performed to correct genu valgum in adolescents. The calculation is based on measurements of the length of the tibia, the length of the upper tibial plate and the intermalleolar distance. These measurements make it possible to establish an index of prediction of the amount of growth necessary to bring about correction. This index is then associated with the tables of Green and Anderson in relation to bone age and residual potential for growth. In this way, the age at which epiphyseal arrest must be performed is automatically deduced. Both the risk of hyper-correction and growth rebound after removal of the staples are thus minimised. This method was tested on thirteen patients with satisfactory results. Some uncertainty, however, remains in the exact assessment of bone age.