Case reports: Treatment of traumatic triradiate cartilage epiphysiodesis: what is the role of bridge resection?

BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures are rare in children and can be complicated by premature fusion of the triradiate cartilage resulting in secondary acetabular dysplasia. Early recognition and treatment of a physeal bar in this location can be difficult. The purpose of this case report was to investigate whether early intervention could restore acetabular growth and prevent secondary acetabular dysplasia as measured on plain radiographs. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a series of three patients (3, 4, and 5 years old) who underwent physeal bridge resection and methylmethacrylate or fat interposition through an extended Pfannenstiel approach. The mean followup was 6 years. After resection of the osseous bridge the physis initially remained open with evident acetabular growth in all three patients. In one patient, the bridge reformed 6 years after the procedure. All patients had a slight increase in the thickness of the acetabular wall relative to the contralateral side but no radiographic evidence of acetabular dysplasia. LITERATURE REVIEW: To our knowledge, there are only two reports of physeal arrest resection of triradiate cartilage with one successful result. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Posttraumatic, partial physeal arrest of the triradiate cartilage may be treated with resection of the bone bridge resection through an extended Pfannenstiel approach. The potential benefits of this treatment must be weighed against the risks.