Growth disturbance after physial injury of distal femur and proximal tibia studied by roentgen stereophotogrammetry.

Longitudinal growth determined by roentgen stereophotogrammetry was registered in three patients with physial injuries in distal femur and in two patients with physial injuries in proximal tibia during 18 months. The injuries in distal femur were classified as Type I, Type I kII and Type IV and in proximal tibia as Type I kII and Type IV in the different cases according to Salter and Harris. Markers of tantalum balls were implanted into the metaphysis and bony epiphysis of distal femur and proximal tibia permitting regular determination of longitudinal growth. Significant growth disturbances was registered in four patients. The Salter-Harris classification was difficult to use to predict growth disturbance after physial injuries around the knee. The roentgen stereophotogrammetric method was found useful to determine normal growth rate and after physial injuries to reveal growth disturbance leading to complete or partial growth arrest resulting in leg length discrepancy or angular deformity. This method facilitates preoperative planning if surgery is needed.