The aim of the study was to determine the mid-term clinical result of the patient operated by Chiari pelvic osteotomy.

A mid-term evaluation of the Chiari pelvic osteotomy performed on 65 hips in 58 patients is presented. Indications were: 1) congenital hip dysplasia in cases where conservative or other surgical treatment had failed, 2) deformed, laterally uncovered femoral head due to Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, 3) age between 10–40 years, 4) no signs of advanced osteoarthritis.

Patients were classified according to pain, limp, Trendelenburg sign, range of motion, abductor muscle strength, and radiographic appearance (Wiberg and Idelberger angles). A mean follow-up of five years revealed relief of pain and an increase of hip motion in many cases. However, limping and a positive Trendelenburg sign frequently persisted. The radiographic appearance showed that the Wiberg angle had increased from the preoperative average of 6 degrees to 30 degrees postoperatively. The Idelberger angle decreased from the preoperative average of 72 degrees to an average of 60 degrees postoperatively.

The Chiari osteotomy is a technically exacting procedure which provides adequate femoral head coverage. This coverage facilitates pain relief and increased function. However, the results were less consistent in the cases of Perthes disease.

Considering the indications and contra-indications, the Chiari pelvic osteotomy has good clinical results in the reduction of painful standing and walking of young adult patients with DDH.