Tibial length following intraosseous infusion: a prospective, radiographic analysis.

Intraosseous infusion is a well accepted means of obtaining emergency intravascular access in children. Despite the low incidence of serious complications from intraosseous infusions, the potential exists for growth plate injury and subsequent growth disturbance following intraosseous infusion. We conducted a prospective, blinded observational study of 10 subjects to evaluate tibial length discrepancy radiographically one year or more following intraosseous infusion. We found no significant difference in mean tibial length between the legs that had intraosseous infusions and the opposite legs, which served as controls. We conclude that intraosseous infusion does not appear to produce subsequent leg length discrepancy one year after infusion.