[Experiences with temporary epiphyseal stapling by Blount (author's transl)].

After an epiphyseal stapling (Blount 1949) on 93 patients a control was carried out in 87 cases. In this control age, growth prognosis and the growth after removing the staples were taken into consideration. The result shows various complications so that the patient will have to undergo a second anf finally a third operation. Through these repeated operations the difference of the leg length could be shortened, but the results were not up to expectations. On the whole, a clear prognosis was difficult to determine and on nearly a third of the patients the difference of the length could not be corrected under 2.0 centimeters. The epiphyseal stapling is connected with too many risks and complications. It may be carried out in seldom special cases. For the treatment of the difference of the leg length there are today safer and less complicated operating-methods.