Purpose. The aim of this study was to identify if perioperative outcomes were different in patients with cerebral palsy undergoing unilateral or bilateral hip reconstruction. Method. All consecutive hip reconstructions for cerebral palsy performed by the senior author (FNT) within a tertiary-referral centre were identified between January 2012 and July 2016. Patients were stratified by age, gender, GMFCS and side of procedure. Length of surgery, pre- and post- operative haemoglobin, length of stay and immediate post-operative complications were measured. Results. 158 procedures were performed; 96 bilateral and 62 unilateral (37 left, 25 right). In bilateral procedures, operative time was 14 minutes longer (p= 0.07) and haemoglobin decrease was 1.85g/l greater (p= 0.34) with equivalent length of stay (average 6.4 days) and complication rate when compared to those undergoing unilateral procedures. Irrespective of procedure, those with a GMFCS level V had a longer length of stay (p< 0.05) and post-operative complication rate (p< 0.05) when compared to patients with GMFCS level IV. Conclusion. No significant differences were noted in the outcome measures when comparing unilateral and bilateral hip reconstructions in our group of patients with cerebral palsy. This suggests that concurrent prophylactic surgical management of the radiologically stable hip is a safe surgical option in this high-risk group of paediatric patients in an appropriate tertiary care setting with multidisciplinary team support

The results of a functional, clinical and radiological study of 30 children (60 hips) with whole-body cerebral palsy were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 10.2 years (9.5 to 11). Correction of windsweep deformity of the hips was performed by bilateral simultaneous combined soft-tissue and bony surgery at a mean age of 7.7 years (3.1 to 12.2).

We were able to recall 22 patients; five had died of unrelated causes and three were lost to follow-up. Evaluation involved interviews with patients/carers and clinical and radiological examination.

The gross motor functional classification system was used to assess overall motor function and showed improvement in seven patients. Of the 12 patients thought to have pain pre-operatively, only one had pain post-operatively. Improved handling was reported in 18 of 22 patients (82%). Those with handling problems were attributed by the carers to growth of the patients. All patients/carers considered the procedure worthwhile. The range of hip movements improved, and the mean windsweep index improved from 50 pre-operatively to 36 at follow-up.

The migration percentage and centre-edge angle were assessed on plain radiographs. Radiological containment improved, the mean migration percentage improved from 50 pre-operatively to 20 at follow-up and the mean centre-edge angle improved from −5° to 29°.

No statistical difference was noted between the three-year and ten-year follow-up results, indicating that the improvements in clinical and radiological outcome had been maintained.

Aim

The Pelvic Support Osteotomy (PSO) or Ilizarov Hip Reconstruction(IHR) is well described for the treatment of septic sequelae of infancy. The purpose of this study was to clinically, functionally and radiographically assess our short-term results of this procedure.

We reviewed the long-term radiological outcome, complications and revision operations in 19 children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy and hip dysplasia who underwent combined peri-iliac osteotomy and femoral varus derotation osteotomy. They had a mean age of 7.5 years (1.6 to 10.9) and comprised 22 hip dislocations and subluxations. We also studied the outcome for the contralateral hip. At a mean follow-up of 11.7 years (10 to 15.1) the Melbourne cerebral palsy (CP) hip classification was grade 2 in 16 hips, grade 3 in five, and grade 5 in one. There were five complications seen in four hips (21%, four patients), including one dislocation, one subluxation, one coxa vara with adduction deformity, one subtrochanteric fracture and one infection. A recurrent soft-tissue contracture occurred in five hips and ten required revision surgery. In pre-adolescent children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy good long-term outcomes can be achieved after reconstruction of the hip; regular follow-up is required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:259–65

Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to describe the outcomes of major hip surgery for children with cerebral palsy and communication difficulties using a validated health related quality of life measure and a validated pain score. Method. Children with hypertonic bilateral cerebral palsy (CP) GMFCS levels IV and V, 2–15 years old, having femoral + /- acetabular osteotomies for hip displacement were included if their ability to communicate necessitated the use of the CPCHILD (Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities) and PPP (Paediatric Pain Profile). The underlying indication for surgery was a hip migration index of more than 40% . CPCHILD and PPP questionnaires were completed face-to-face with the parents or carers at baseline, at 3 months after surgery and at 6 months after surgery. Results. There were 54 patients with a mean age of 8.8 years (SD 3.6). At baseline the mean CPCHILD was 52.1 (SD 11.8). At 3 months it was 58.5 (SD 13.1; p< 0.001). At 6 months it was 59.4 (SD 12.4; p< 0.001). This paper also describes the changes within each domain of the CPCHILD. At baseline the PPP was 12.7 (SD 7.2); at 3 months the PPP was 9.8 (SD 7.2; p< 0.01); at 6 months the PPP was 9.2 (SD 6.4; p< 0.001). Conclusion. Hip reconstruction for displacement is a major intervention for an often asymptomatic condition. This paper confirms that health related quality of life (measured by the CPCHILD) and pain (measured by the PPP) return to baseline or better than baseline within 3 months of surgery and that this is maintained at 6 months. These results should be reassuring for families and healthcare workers looking after children with severe disability undergoing surgery of this sort

Aims

The purpose of this study was to assess the reliability and responsiveness to hip surgery of a four-point modified Care and Comfort Hypertonicity Questionnaire (mCCHQ) scoring tool in children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels IV and V.

The disadvantages of hip spica casts following hip surgery for cerebral palsy include fractures, plaster sores, soiling and general inconvenience. In this series, 56 hips in 31 children aged 4 to 16 years (mean 8) were treated for hip displacement in keeping with the recommendations of others (eg Miller et al 1997) between 2005 and 2008 by one consultant. There were 29 open reductions for a Reimer's migration index (RMI) greater than 50%. A blade plate was used for the femoral osteotomy, and an acetabuloplasty was performed for 22 hips. No casting or immobilisation of any sort was used. The average length of stay was 5 days. The results at 5 the year follow-up were chosen so that all patients were at the same stage. The average RMI pre-operatively for displaced hips was 76.9 +/− 21.3. At follow-up it was 18.8 +/− 19.7. 18 patients had pain prior to hip surgery; 6 had pain during follow-up, and 4 of these responded to removal of metal; and one required a proximal femoral resection. There were 3 complications: one re-dislocation in the immediate post-operative period, one mal-union because the blade plate cut out; and one of the three walking children fractured below the blade plate 2 ½ months after surgery. There were no infections. The radiographic and clinical outcomes of hip reconstruction without hip spica immobilisation are good, reproducible and long-lasting. The child may be nursed free post-operatively and discharged in his or her own chair. As a result of studying these patients, since 2009 we have introduced locking plates for better fixation, and pre- and post-operative Paediatric Pain Profiles and CPCHILD questionnaires

The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors that are associated with re-displacement of the hip after surgical reconstruction in cerebral palsy. Retrospective review of children with cerebral palsy who had hip reconstruction with proximal femoral varus derotation osteotomy (VDRO) and Dega-type pelvic osteotomy, between 2005–2012, at a UK and European institution, was performed. Patient demographics, GMFCS, clinical and radiological outcome were assessed as well as the presence of pelvic obliquity and significant scoliosis (Cobb angle > 10 degrees). Redisplacement was defined as Reimer's Migration Index (MI) >30% at final follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess which factors were predictive of redisplacement and adjusted for clustered variables (α = 0.05). Eighty hips were identified in 61 patients. The mean age at surgery was 8.8 years (± 3.3). Mean MI pre-op was 68% (± 23%) and post-op was 8% (± 12%). At a mean follow-up, of 3.2 years (± 2.0), 23 hips had a MI >30%. Of these; five were symptomatic, and one had required a salvage procedure. Metalwork removal was undertaken in 14 hips. Logistic regression demonstrated that the pre-operative MI and the percentage of acute correction were significant predictors of re-displacement. If the pre-operative MI was greater than 65 percent, the odds ratio (OR) for redisplacement was 5.99 (p = 0.04). If correction of the MI was less than 90% of the pre-operative MI, the OR for re-displacement was 4.6 (p = 0.03). Age at the time of surgery, GMFCS, pelvic obliquity and scoliosis were not predictive of re-displacement. These results, firstly, highlight the importance of hip surveillance in children with cerebral palsy to allow timely intervention to ensure adequate radiological outcomes. Secondly, as in developmental hip dysplasia, full concentric reduction is essential to reduce the risk of re-displacement, with its associated clinical consequences

Introduction. Septic arthritis of the hip in the newborn baby can result in severe long term sequelae in the form of dislocation of the hip, loss of movement and growth disturbance with leg length discrepancy. Reconstructive procedures for this difficult problem have not been satisfactory. Patient and methods. This series comprises eight patients with septic hip sequelae . All of them had old septic hip and leg length discrepancy ranging from 4 cm to 15 cm. all underwent hip stabilization by pelvic support osteotomy and simultaneous limb lengthening and angular deformities correction using the Ilizarov frame. The age at the operation range from 8 years to 19 years, with an average follow up 4 years. Results. The average of limb lengthening gained was 9cm. All hips remain stable and loss of the range of hip and knee motion was not significant. Other complications include pin tract infection one delayed consolidation of callus and one fracture of callus. Conclusion. The Ilizarov hip reconstruction is a good option for the treatment of the late sequelae of infantile hip infection in adolescents. It should be considered a promising choice for the management of late sequelae of infantile hip infection

A total of 47 non-walking patients (52 hips) with severe cerebral palsy and with a mean age of 14 years, (9 to 27) underwent a Dega-type pelvic osteotomy after closure of the triradiate cartilage, together with a derotation varus-shortening femoral osteotomy and soft-tissue correction for hip displacement which caused pain and/or difficulties in sitting. The mean follow-up was 48 months (12 to 153). The migration percentage improved from a pre-operative mean of 70% (26% to 100%) to 10% (0% to 100%) post-operatively. In five hips the post-operative migration percentage was greater than 25%, which was associated with continuing pain in two patients. Three patients had persistent hip pain and a migration percentage less than 25%. In five hips a fracture through the acetabulum occurred, and in another there was avascular necrosis of the superior acetabular segment, but these had no adverse effect on functional outcome. We conclude that it is possible to perform a satisfactory pelvic osteotomy of this type in these patients after the triradiate cartilage has been closed.

Proximal femoral resection (PFR) is a proven pain-relieving procedure for the management of patients with severe cerebral palsy and a painful displaced hip. Previous authors have recommended post-operative traction or immobilisation to prevent a recurrence of pain due to proximal migration of the femoral stump. We present a series of 79 PFRs in 63 patients, age 14.7 years (10 to 26; 35 male, 28 female), none of whom had post-operative traction or immobilisation.

A total of 71 hips (89.6%) were reported to be pain free or to have mild pain following surgery. Four children underwent further resection for persistent pain; of these, three had successful resolution of pain and one had no benefit. A total of 16 hips (20.2%) showed radiographic evidence of heterotopic ossification, all of which had formed within one year of surgery. Four patients had a wound infection, one of which needed debridement; all recovered fully. A total of 59 patients (94%) reported improvements in seating and hygiene.

The results are as good as or better than the historical results of using traction or immobilisation. We recommend that following PFR, children can be managed without traction or immobilisation, and can be discharged earlier and with fewer complications. However, care should be taken with severely dystonic patients, in whom more extensive femoral resection should be considered in combination with management of the increased tone.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:701–6.

We have tested the reliability of a recently reported classification system of hip morphology in adolescents with cerebral palsy in whom the triradiate cartilage was closed. The classification is a six-grade ordinal scale, based on the measurement of the migration percentage and an assessment of Shenton’s arch, deformity of the femoral head, acetabular deformity and pelvic obliquity.

Four paediatric orthopaedic surgeons and four physiotherapists received training in the use of the classification which they applied to the assessment of 42 hip radiographs, read on two separate occasions. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient and found to be excellent, with it ranging from 0.88 to 0.94. The classification in our study was shown to be valid (based on migration percentage), and reliable. As a result we believe that it can now be used in studies describing the natural history of hip displacement in cerebral palsy, in outcome studies and in communication between clinicians.