The Effect of Rotational Guided Growth With Flexible Tethers on the Distal Femoral Bone - An Experimental Study in a Porcine Model
New and innovative surgical techniques, using a flexible tether to correct rotational deformities of the growing femur have recently emerged, but are lacking radiographic validation of desired rotation and adverse effects in the frontal and sagittal planes. We, therefore, investigated this new technique in an established large animal model.
Key Findings:
✅ Targeted correction: 7.2° external rotation successfully achieved.
⚠️ Unintended effects:
➖ Valgus deformity in the coronal plane (7.8°)
➖ Extension in the sagittal plane changes (3.9°)
➖ Altered joint morphology
Clinical Significance:
While this large animal study has shown that this new surgical technique reliably corrected rotational deformities by guided growth, it has also revealed adverse effects that need further investigation before clinical use.