Bilateral proximal tibia stress fracture following bilateral distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis - A rare complication.

Correction of lower limb deformities by hemiepiphyseodesis with 8-plates is gaining popularity among deformity surgeons. Complications including metal failure, recurrence of deformity have been reported but stress fracture has not been reported. We have encountered bilateral proximal metaphyseal tibia stress fractures following correction of valgus deformity of both knees by hemiepiphyseodesis of distal femur following inadvertent overcorrection to a varus deformity following loss of follow up. The varus deformity has been reversed by guided growth of distal femoral physis resulting in fracture union and normal gait pattern. We herewith emphasize the importance of timely follow up with removal of 8 plates for hemiepiphysiodesis in deformity correction to prevent unexpected complication. We are reporting a rare complication of proximal tibial stress fractures following distal femur hemiepiphysiodesis done for valgus deformity with 8-plates.