Abstract
Introduction
Through the paediatric LCP Hip plating system, the highly successful technique of the locking compression plate used in adult surgery, has been incorporated in a system dedicated to paediatrics. The purpose of this study was to review the outcome of the paediatric LCP Hip plate use in children, both with and without neuromuscular disease, for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy for a variety of indications.
Materials and methods
We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had Paediatric LCP Hip Plate for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution, between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications.
Results
Forty-three Paediatric LCP hip plates were used in forty patients for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies (n=40) and proximal femur fractures (n=3). The osteotomies were performed for a variety of indications including Perthes disease, DDH, Cerebral Palsy, Down's syndrome, coxa vara, Leg length discrepancy and previous failed treatment of SUFE.
Twenty-five children were allowed touch to full weight bearing post operatively. Two were kept non-weight bearing for 6 weeks. The remaining 13 children were treated in hip spica due to simultaneous pelvic osteotomy or multilevel surgery for cerebral palsy.
All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months (majority [n=40] within 3 months). There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately postoperative and final x-rays after completion of bone healing.
There were no implant related complications.
Conclusion
The Paediatric LCP Hip Plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric hip conditions in children with and without neuromuscular disease.
