Abstract
Sugioka trans-trochanteric valgus osteotomy (TVO) has originally been described for advanced osteoarthritis of hip. This has many advantages over conventional subtrochanteric osteotomies such as early union with simple fixation and preserving proximal femoral geometry to enable standard femoral components for a future hip replacement. Lateral displacement and distalisation of the greater trochanter increases the lever arm and improves abductor limp. The use of TVO has never been reported in children. We report our experience of TVO for hinge abduction in children (mostly in Perthes' disease).
Twenty four patients of mean age 10.2 years at surgery, (range 7- 17 years) underwent TVO between 1998 and 2007. The diagnosis was Perthes' disease in 19 and avascular necrosis from other causes in the remaining five. Average follow-up was 4.4 years (18 months to 11 years). All patients had pre-operative confirmation of hinge abduction by arthrogram. Osteotomies were performed at inter-trochanteric level and fixed with screws and wire.
The neck shaft angle increased by mean 11.75 degrees (range 6 to 23). Migration index increased by mean 3.88% (-14% to + 29%). Average limb length discrepancy at final follow-up was 10.8 mm (range -30 to +10mm). Final articulo-trochanteric distance was 4.5mm (range -15 to +21 mm) less than the opposite side. Functional assessment was carried out using the Modified IOWA hip scores. The mean hip score was 75.1 (range 38.8 to 97.6). Complications were one case of trochanteric non-union requiring further surgery, one case of stiffness which responded to manipulation under anaesthesia.
Our results indicate that Sugioka TVO is a successful procedure for hinge abduction of the hip.
