Frequently Asked Questions
- Question:
- What are the indications for eight-Plate application?
- Answer:
- The Guided Growth Plate is designed for the express and sole purpose of redirecting the angle of growth of long bone(s). This is useful for gradually correcting angular deformities in growing children. Specific conditions / diseases for which the device will be indicated include valgus, varus or flexion, extension deformities of the knee (femur and/or tibia); valgus, varus or plantar flexion deformities of the ankle; valgus or varus deformities of the elbow (humerus); and radial or ulnar deviation, flexion or extension deformities of the wrist (radius).
- Question:
- What is the eight-Plate made of?
- Answer:
- The eight-Plate is made of titanium alloy.
- Question:
- Is the eight-Plate meant to be permanent?
- Answer:
- No, it should be removed upon correction of the deformity.
- Question:
- Where is the eight-Plate applied?
- Answer:
- Extraperiosteal - centered on the physis at the apex of the deformity(ies).
- Question:
- How many sizes of eight-Plate are available?
- Answer:
- The eight-Plate comes in two sizes: 12mm and 16mm, with corresponding screws of 24mm and 32mm. 12mm plate and 24mm screws are green, 16mm plate and 32mm screws are blue.
- Question:
- Which length of the screws should the surgeon use?
- Answer:
- Whichever he/she feels is best suited for each individual patient.
- Question:
- Are the screws self-tapping?
- Answer:
- Yes, the eight-Plate screws are self-tapping.
- Question:
- Can the shorter screws be used with the bigger plate and vice versa?
- Answer:
- Yes, the surgeon can mix and match the plates and screws according to the anatomy of individual patient and clinical indications. So, the 12mm eight-Plate can be used with the 32mm screws or a 16mm can be used with 24mm screws.
- 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 the 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:
- Will the physis close prematurely?
- Answer:
- Not unless you violate the periosteum.
- Question:
- Will the deformity reoccur?
- Answer:
- Possibly; therefore you should continue to monitor growth. The procedure may be repeated as often as necessary, as long as the physis is open.
- Question:
- How often does the patient have to come back for control check-up?
- Answer:
- It is recommended to see patients in intervals of three months duration or less to monitor their growth and determine when to remove the plate.
- Question:
- What are the contraindications?
- 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:
- Why is eight-Plate pre-contoured?
- Answer:
- It is pre-contoured for a low-profile – this feature may be modified by the surgeon.
