Late Surgery for DDH - Steve Corbett 31/10/2000

Background

Late surgery for DDH  is designed to restore anatomical integrity and mechanical function of a hip joint to reduce pain, improve function and increase range of movement. Prior to resorting to a THR, the principle of surgery is to provide containment of the femoral head. This may be achieved by either a femoral osteotomy or an acetabular osteotomy. Many different osteotomies are described, including the Pemberton, Salter and Chiari acetabular osteotomies. The evidence of their success is variable, though in general they appear to contribute to the conservation of the"normal" hip joint. THR'S are generally performed in the 30- 40 age group following failure of conservation procedures. Interestingly Charnley reported in 1973 that THR had no role to play in the management of DDH. The two papers quoted below suggest otherwise and indeed are reported from his Old Unit.

KEY REFERENCE