Frequently Asked Questions
- Question:
- Is the eight-Plate meant to be permanent?
- Answer:
- No, it should be removed upon correction of the joint position.
- Question:
- How long can the eight-Plate safely be left in place?
- Answer:
- As long as it is required, pending correction of the deformity. The typical range is 6-18 months.
- Question:
- What are the indications for eight-Plate application?
- Answer:
- Any angular deformity that would otherwise warrant an osteotomy in a patient with open growth plates, or any length discrepancy that would otherwise merit epiphysiodesis. The eight-Plate Guided growth plate is designed for the purpose of redirecting the angle of growth of long bone(s) in growing children.
- Question:
- Is a cast required after eight-Plate application?
- Answer:
- No cast is required.
- Question:
- Can the patient go home on the day of surgery?
- Answer:
- Yes, generally patients go home after surgery on the same day.
- Question:
- Are there any limitations or precautions in terms of weight-bearing?
- Answer:
- None. Moreover, immediate weight-bearing and early motion are encouraged.
- Question:
- How often does the patient have to come back for a check-up?
- Answer:
- It is recommended that patients be seen at least every 3 months to monitor their growth and determine when to remove the plate.
- Question:
- Are there any contraindications for the eight-Plate?
- Answer:
- The eight-Plate should not be used for adult deformities or where the growth plate has closed, such as due to trauma, infection or maturity.
- Question:
- What is the recommended age and/or size for a patient to have an eight-Plate implant?
- Answer:
- Since the eight-Plate does not bear any body weight after it is implanted, patient size really doesn’t matter. The eight-Plate can be used successfully in patients as young as 18 months or as old as 17 years, as long as the child is still growing (skeletally immature).
- Question:
- Is the use of the eight-Plate limited to knock knees and bowed legs?
- Answer:
- No, it may be used to correct other angular deformities such as flexion or extension deformities of the knee; valgus, extension or flexion deformities of the ankle; varus deformity of the elbow; and wrist flexion/extension deformities or radial/ulnar deviation.
