Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the association between knee alignment and the vertical orientation of the femoral neck in relation to the floor. This could be clinically important because changes of femoral neck orientation might alter chondral joint contact zones and joint reaction forces, potentially inducing problems like pain in pre-existing chondral degeneration. Further, the femoral neck orientation influences the ischiofemoral space and a small ischiofemoral distance can lead to impingement. We hypothesized that a valgus knee alignment is associated with a more vertical orientation of the femoral neck in standing position, compared to a varus knee. We further hypothesized that realignment surgery around the knee alters the vertical orientation of the femoral neck.

Abstract. OBJECTIVES. Although surgical periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for hip dysplasia aims to optimise acetabular coverage and restore hip function, it is unclear how surgery affects capsular mechanics and joint stability. The purpose was to examine how the reoriented acetabular coverage affects capsular mechanics and joint stability in dysplastic hips. METHODS. Twelve cadaveric dysplastic hips (n = 12) were denuded to the capsule and mounted onto a robotic tester. The robot positioned each hip in multiple flexion angles (Extension, Neutral 0°, Flexion 30°, Flexion 60°, Flexion 90°) and performed internal-external rotations and abduction-adduction to 5 Nm in each rotational or planar direction. Each hip underwent a PAO, preserving the capsule, and was retested postoperatively in the robot. Paired sample t-tests compared the range of motion before and after PAO surgery (CI = 95%). RESULTS. Pre-operatively, the dysplastic hips demonstrated large ranges of internal-external rotations and abduction-adduction motions throughout all flexion positions. Post-operatively, the PAO slackenend the anterosuperior capsule and tightened the inferior capsule. This increased external rotation in Flexion 60° and Flexion 90° (∆. ER. = +16 and +23%) but provided lateral coverage to decrease internal rotation at Flexion 90° (∆. IR. = –15%). The PAO also reduced abduction throughout, but increased adduction in Neutral 0°, Flexion 30°, and Flexion 60° (∆. ADD. = +34, +30%, +29% respectively). CONCLUSIONS. The PAO provided crucial osseous structural coverage to the femoral head, decreasing hypermobility and adverse loading at extreme hip flexion-extension. However, it also slackened the anterosuperior capsule and increased adduction and external rotation, which may lead to ischiofemoral impingement and adductor irritations. Capsular instability may be secondary to acetabular undercoverage, thus capsular alteration may be warranted for larger corrections or rotational osteotomies. To preserve native hip and delay joint degeneration, it is crucial to preserve capsule and elucidate amount of reorientation needed without causing iatrogenic instability. Declaration of Interest. (b) declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research reported:I declare that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project

Posterior extraarticular ischiofemoral hip impingement can be caused by high femoral torsion and is typically located between the ischium and the lesser trochanter. We asked if patients undergoing derotational femoral osteotomies for posterior FAI have (1) decreased hip pain and improved function and evaluated (2) subsequent surgeries and complications?. Thirty-three hips undergoing derotational femoral osteotomies between 2005 and 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. Of them 15 hips underwent derotational femoral osteotomies and 18 hips underwent derotational femoral osteotomies combined with varisation (neck-shaft angle >139°). Indication for derotational osteotomies was a positive posterior impingement test in extension and external rotation, high femoral torsion (48° ± 9) on CT scans and limited external rotation. Offset improvement was performed to avoid intraarticular impingement in hips with a cam-type FAI. All patients were female and mean followup was 3 ± 2 (1 – 11) years. At latest followup the positive posterior and anterior impingement test decreased from preoperatively 100% to 5% (p< 0.001) and from preoperatively 85% to 30% (p< 0.001). The mean Merle d'Aubigné Postel score increased from 14 ± 1 (11 – 16) to 16 ± 1 (13 – 17) at latest followup (p< 0.001). At followup 32/33 hips had been preserved and one hip had been converted to a total hip arthroplasty (THA). In two hips (6%) revision osteosynthesis was performed for delayed healing of the femoral osteotomy. Derotational femoral osteotomies for the treatment of posterior extraarticular ischiofemoral impingement caused by high femoral torsion result in decreased hip pain and improved function at midterm followup but had 6% delayed healing rate requiring revision surgery