الفهرس 
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Abstract
Fixed knee flexion deformity (FKFD) is a quite disabling problem in children. It is commonly seen in the paediatric population due to a variety of congenital and acquired causes, including neuromuscular disorders, infections, trauma, and others. They tend to adversely affect the gait, balance, and overall quality of life. They may also cause patella alta, degeneration of the patellofemoral joint, anterior knee pain, and stress fractures of the patella and tibial tubercle.
The present study was a prospective one carried out on 41 knees in 24 patients at the orthopaedic department of Assiut University Hospital between 2018 – 2023. It was conducted to measure the outcomes of 8-plates anterior distal femoral hemiepiphysiodesis (ADFH) of paediatric fixed knee flexion deformities (FKFDs) due to different aetiologies.
All cases included in our study had a FKFD of at least 10 degrees, radiological evidence of an open distal femoral physis and 12 months or more predicted growth remaining. The age range in our study was 7 (4-14) years.
For 28 knees, we adhered to the conventional technique of inserting two parapatellar eight-plates on both sides of the femoral sulcus. In the remaining 13 knees, we applied a modified technique that involved inserting two coronally oriented eight-plates in the anterior part of the distal femur. The rationale behind this modification was to minimize irritation to the extensor mechanism and avoid the common side effect of postoperative knee pain associated with conventional ADFH.
The follow up protocol was based on the clinical conditions of our patients. The patients underwent clinical assessments at three-month intervals to measure the degree of the knee contracture and to identify any complications or concerns. X-rays were taken during the initial follow-up and again after the deformity was fully corrected. The duration of time required to attain full knee extension and any complications encountered were recorded. The removal of plates was carried out once complete correction of the knee deformity was achieved or if any complications related to the metalware were observed.