Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy is commonly used to treat symptomatic hip dysplasia. It aims to increase the load bearing contact area of the hip to reduce the risk of subsequent osteoarthritis. In this study we assess the radiographic and clinical results of the procedure since its introduction to our unit. All patients undergoing Ganz osteotomies at our unit were followed up prospectively. Data collected included patient demographics and pre- and post-operative functional scores (Harris and Non-arthritic hip scores). In addition, acetabular correction was evaluated on pre-and post-operative radiographs (using Centre-Edge angle and Tonnis angle). Complications were also noted. Overall 50 procedures were performed between 2007 and 2013 with median follow-up of 3 years (1 – 7 years). The majority of patients (90%) were female. Average age at time of surgery was 29 years (16–49). There were significant improvements in pre- and post-operative median functional scores (Modified Harris Hip Score = 49 versus 64, p=0.001), Non-arthritic Hip Score = 42 versus 56, p=0.007). Median Centre Edge Angle improved from 16 degrees pre-operatively (range = 7–31 degrees) to 30 degrees post-operatively (18–33) degrees), p<0.0001. Similarly, pre-operative Tonnis angle improved from 18 degrees (9–38) to 7 degrees (2–14), p<0.0001. Five patients developed post-operative complications: 2 superficial wound infection, 1deep infection requiring hip washout and antibiotic treatment and 2 patients subsequently requiring total hip replacements. We have shown that the Ganz peri-acetabular osteotomy can be effective for the treatment of painful hip dysplasia improving both functional and radiographic outcomes. However, patient selection is a key factor

In order to evaluate the relationship between acetabular and proximal femoral alignment in the initiation and evolution of osteoarthritis of the dysplastic hip, the acetabular and femoral angles were calculated geometrically from radiographs of 62 patients with pre-arthrosis and early osteoarthritis. The sum of the lateral opening angle of the acetabulum and the neck-shaft angle was defined as the lateral instability index (LII), and the sum of the anterior opening angle of the acetabulum and the anteversion angle of the femoral neck as the anterior instability index (AII). These two indices were compared in dysplastic and unaffected hips. A total of 22 unilateral hips with pre-arthrosis were followed for at least 15 years to determine whether the two indices were associated with the progression of osteoarthritis.

The LII of the affected hips (197.4 (sd 6.0)) was significantly greater than that of the unaffected hips (1830 (sd 6.9)). A follow-up study of 22 hips with pre-arthrosis showed that only the LII was associated with progression of the disease, and an LII of 196 was the threshold value for this progression.