Preliminary study on the stabilization of varus proximal femoral osteotomies using pediatric LCP plates in adults undergoing combined correction of proximal femoral and acetabular dysplasia

Abstract

Purpose: Proximal femoral osteotomy (PFO) with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) improves femoral head coverage in patients with proximal femoral and acetabular dysplasia. Historically, blade plates used in the PFO cause soft-tissue irritation and often lead to implant removal. Here we present a technique using a lower profile pediatric proximal femoral locking compression plate (LCP) for the PFO in a series of adults.

Methods: The results from 13 hips in 11 patients ≥ 18 years old (age 18-37) with > 10 months of follow-up are presented.

Results: All patients had improved radiographic parameters, pain, and total Merle d'Aubigné-Postel scores postoperatively. Eleven hips (85%) had the LCP removed an average of 15.8 ± 8.6 months postoperatively, often due to pain over the greater trochanter.

Conclusion: The pediatric proximal femoral LCP is effective for PFO in combined PAO PFO procedures but has a high rate of lateral hip discomfort leading to implant removal.

Keywords: Dysplasia; Periacetabular osteotomy; Proximal femoral osteotomy.