Genu recurvatum due to partial growth arrest of the proximal tibial physis: correction by callus distraction. Case report.

The formation of a genu recurvatum after partial growth arrest of the proximal tibial physis is uncommon. This contribution deals with the case of a 16 years old male patient who after a direct injury to the proximal tibia four years ago showed a genu recurvatum of 18 degrees. An incomplete upper tibial corticotomy was performed and a hinge type de Bastiani fixator applied. The deformity was corrected at a distraction rate of one millimetre a day. The corticotomy gap filled with callus during the distraction process. The advantages of this concept are omision of iliac crest grafts, maintainance of a full range of knee motion with partial weight bearing during distraction and determination of the final degree of correction with the aid of proper radiographs.