What is guided growth?
Guided growth is a small surgical procedure used to gradually correct the alignment of a child’s legs as they grow.
It can be used to treat:
How does the procedure work?
Children’s bones grow from areas called growth plates.
Guided growth works by gently slowing growth on one side of the bone so that the opposite side continues to grow normally, gradually straightening the limb.
During the operation:
What happens after surgery?
Correction happens gradually over months as the child grows.
Once the leg alignment is corrected, a second small operation is required to remove the plate and screws.
This is also a day-case procedure.
When is guided growth most effective?
This technique works best when sufficient growth remains.
It is typically most effective around 11–12 years of age, when growth is still active.
Can older children have this procedure?
No.
Guided growth relies on the growth plate being active.
If the growth plates have slowed or fused, the procedure will not work and alternative operations may be required.
Do all children with bow legs or knock knees need surgery?
No — many children do not require surgery.
In younger children, leg alignment may be influenced by other factors such as:
Treating these first may improve alignment without an operation.
Key message for parents
Guided growth is a safe, minimally invasive way of correcting leg alignment in growing children. It works gradually and relies on natural growth rather than forcing the bone into position.
