Epiphysiolysis as a method of limb lengthening.

Epiphysiolysis followed by distraction was performed at the proximal tibial growth plates in 18 young rabbits. Union across the distracted plate occurred in all animals. In 12 rabbits skeletally immature at operation, premature fusion of the separated plate resulted in growth arrest of the operated limb. The contralateral control limb was longer at maturity by an average 1.10 cm. In 6 rabbits near skeletal maturity at epiphysiolysis, the operated limb was the longer at maturity by the amount distracted, an average of 0.62 cm. In all animals a permanent loss of joint motion resulted. Epiphyseal distraction in the very young rabbit does not appear to be practical due to consistent premature fusion of the distracted growth plate. It is possible to lengthen the limbs of rabbits near skeletal maturity with this procedure. An added advantage is that union between the epiphysis and the metaphysis always occurred, eliminated the problem of delayed ana non union found in diaphyseal lengthening. However, at this time, until the effects of distraction and compression on the adjacent joint can be minimized, epiphysiolysis as a method of limb lengthening is not recommended in children.