Abstract
Introduction Growth of femoral neck can be stunted due to early fusion of capital femoral epiphysis and can occur in DDH, LCPD and Septic Arthritis of Hip, while the greater trochanter (GT) continues to grow normally. This results in a high riding greater trochanter with altered abductor function and shortening of the involved limb. Management of patients with such deformities in adolescence is challenging, more so in planning to conserve the hip joint.
Methods and Results We wish to present our experience in the management of such deformed proximal femur with double femoral osteotomy in 15 patients (6 male, 9 female), mean age 22 (11–36) years with an average follow-up of five years. Average distalisation of GT was 2.2 cms and limb-length gained was 2.8 cms. Fracture of GT with displacement was the only complication encountered that required further surgery.
Discussion Primarily the procedure was performed to distalise the greater trochanter thereby improving abduction function, increasing the offset at the hip joint, and creating a more anatomical neck; so facilitating any subsequent joint-sacrificing procedure. Although the secondary benefit of the procedure was to gain limb length, this was what the patients appreciated was the greatest benefit. The technique demands detailed preoperative planning, detailed execution of the plan but produces consistently good results.
Correspondence should be addressed to Mr John Hodgkinson, BHS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
