Wagner multiple K-wire osteosynthesis to correct coxa vara in the young child: experience with a versatile 'tailor-made' high angle blade plate equivalent

J Pediatr Orthop B. 2001 Jan;10(1):43-50.

Abstract

In 1978, Wagner described a technique using multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires) to stabilize an intertrochanteric osteotomy performed for the correction of coxa vara in small children. Multiple K-wires are used to create a custom high-angle blade plate for valgus osteotomy. The authors have evaluated a retrospective series of 17 Wagner intertrochanteric osteotomies that were performed in 10 children with coxa vara between the ages of 1 year and 8 years. The neck-shaft angle was corrected from 93.5 degrees to 129.5 degrees at long-term follow-up, and the Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle was corrected from 71 degrees to 37.6 degrees at long-term follow-up. Revision surgery was performed on five hips with inadequate initial surgical correction. Complications included a single broken K-wire, a femur fracture after hardware removal, and one hip developed avascular necrosis postoperatively.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases, Developmental / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Diseases, Developmental / surgery*
  • Bone Wires*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Femur / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Osteochondrodysplasias / surgery
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies