Bilateral epiphysiodesis around the knee as treatment for excessive height in boys.

Between 1987 and 1993, six boys who had been predicted to grown to an excessive height were treated with bilateral Phemister epiphysiodesis around the knee. Median predicted adult height was 210.4c (range: 207.4-213.4 c), the median observed adult height was 201.5 c (range: 195.5-206.7 c). Median height reduction was 9.3 c (range: 4.1-15.3 c). Median length of follow-up was 44 months (range: 21-84 months). At final follow-up, all patients had full range of motion, no infections, no pain, no angular deformities, equal leg lengths, and radiographic evidence of physeal closure. Bilateral Phemister epiphysiodesis around the knee is a good alternative to pharmacological treatment for boys with excessive height.