Aims

We aimed to assess the cumulative risk of total hip arthroplasty (THA) from in situ fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) after a follow-up of almost 50 years.

Early total hip replacement (THR) for acetabular fractures offers accelerated rehabilitation, but a high risk of heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of HO, its associated risk factors and functional impact. A total of 40 patients with acetabular fractures treated with a THR weres retrospectively reviewed. The incidence and severity of HO were evaluated using the modified Brooker classification, and the functional outcome assessed. The overall incidence of HO was 38% (n = 15), with nine severe grade III cases. Patients who underwent surgery early after injury had a fourfold increased chance of developing HO. The mean blood loss and operating time were more than twice that of those whose surgery was delayed (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In those undergoing early THR, the incidence of grade III HO was eight times higher than in those in whom THR was delayed (p = 0.01). Only three of the seven patients with severe HO showed good or excellent Harris hip scores compared with eight of nine with class 0, I or II HO (p = 0.049). Associated musculoskeletal injuries, high-energy trauma and head injuries were associated with the development of grade III HO.

The incidence of HO was significantly higher in patients with a displaced acetabular fracture undergoing THR early compared with those undergoing THR later and this had an adverse effect on the functional outcome.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:95–100.

Failure of normal acetabular development is inevitable in congenital dislocation of the hip when it is unrecognised until late infancy or early childhood. Numerous stabilising procedures have been described, one of the first being the shelf operation or acetabuloplasty. This procedure fell into disrepute because the shelf was often located too high or was too small to prevent upward migration of the femoral head. The technique described emphasises the importance of resecting the thickened capsule and exposing the lateral margin of the acetabulum to allow a substantial portion of the outer cortex of the ilium to be turned down both laterally and anteriorly over the femoral head. Twenty cases of acetabuloplasty have been followed up for an average period of nine years. The results have been assessed from the point of view of function, relief of pain, and degree of support of the femoral head as demonstrated radiologically. The shelf operation is a simple and safe procedure, and provided it gives adequate support to the subluxated femoral head it will ensure a stable, mobile joint capable of standing up to reasonable use for many years. If deterioration should occur in later life, total hip replacement may be undertaken more easily than if the joint had been allowed to undergo progressive subluxation

We describe a technique of ‘cross-hip distraction’ to reduce a dislocated hip with subsequent reconstruction of the joint for septic arthritis with extensive femoral osteomyelitis. A 27-year-old woman presented with a dislocated, collapsed femoral head and chronic osteomyelitis of the femur. Examination revealed a leg-length discrepancy of 7 cm and an irritable hip. A staged technique was used with primary clearance of osteomyelitis and secondary reconstruction of the hip. A cross-hip monolateral external fixator was used to establish normal anatomy followed by an arthroplasty. A good functional outcome was achieved. The use of cross-hip distraction avoids soft-tissue and nerve damage and achieved improved abductor function before arthroplasty.