We are reporting six cases of premature asymmetrical closure of the
proximal tibial physis and associated genu recurvatum deformity and have
reviewed the fourteen cases reported in the English-language literature. No
single etiological factor could be implicated as the cause of the physeal
arrest. Trauma, prolonged immobilization, tibial wire traction, and a
surgical procedure involving the proximal tibial physis were observed risk
factors among our patients. In our patients, established genu recurvatum
due to deformity of the proximal end of the tibia and associated tibial
length discrepancy were managed successfully by an opening-wedge osteotomy
through the proximal one-third of the tibia and bone-grafting.
Epiphyseodesis in the contralateral extremity may be required in patients
with significant shortening of the tibia.