A novel computer-assisted drill guide template for guided correction of genu varum

Hemiepiphysiodesis with 8-plate is widely used for the treatment of genu varum in children. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of a novel computer-assisted drill guide template for guided correction of genu varum. From June 2014 to June 2018, twenty-eight patients who underwent hemiepiphysiodesis with 8-plate to correct genu varum deformities in our hospital. Preoperatively, all patients underwent X-rays and ultra-low-dose CT scanning of knee joint. Novel computer-assisted drill guide templates were used in 14 cases and traditional surgery was used in other 14 cases. The radiation exposure, surgical time, valgus correction degrees, and complications were compared between the two groups. All navigation templates matched well with the anatomical markers of distal femur during intraoperative procedures. Average operation times were 27.5 ± 5.1 min (21.0–38.0 min) for the individualized navigation template group and 33.3 ± 5.6 min (22.0–53.0 min) for the traditional operation group (p = 0.0434). Average radiation exposure times were 4.8 times (3.0–8.0 times) for the individualized navigation template group and 7.5 times (5.0–9.0 times) for the traditional operation group (p < 0.0001). Median amount of correction for mLDFA between individualized navigation template group and the traditional operation group were 11.0 ± 5.1 and 12.7 ± 4.8 (p = 0.035). In the conventional group, the duration was 11.4 ± 5.7 months while in navigation template group this period amounted to 11.0 ± 6.1 months without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.594). The novel computer-assisted drill guide template can simplify surgical procedure, improve the surgical accuracy and reduce the operating time for treatment of genu varum in children.