Both temporary hemiepiphysiodesis and permanent epiphysiodesis are used to treat a diverse array of pediatric orthopedic disorders but the exact indications for each procedure are different.
Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis or guided growth surgery has been used to treat angular deformities in children with diverse bone and joint disorders such as rickets,[5] Blount's disease,[6][7] osteochondrodysplasias,[8] arthrogryposis multiplex congenita,[9] idiopathic, trauma,[10] and renal osteodystrophy[11] among others.
Temporary hemiepiphysiodesis is increasingly been viewed as more simple and efficient alternative to the classic time-honored osteotomy or bone cutting practice.
A variety of metal implants have been used to perform temporary hemiepiphysiodesis or guided growth surgery as a two-hole plate and screws and staples.
Figure 1 Any metal implant originally used to achieve temporary hemiepiphysiodesis should be removed once the intended deformity correction is reached.