Joint-preserving surgery improves pain, range of motion, and abductor strength after Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

The evolution of surgical hip dislocation utilization and indications over the past two decades: a scoping review

PURPOSE

To assess the evolution of surgical hip dislocation (SHD) utilization over the past 20 years, concentrating mainly on the patients' population (adults vs. paediatric), the hip conditions treated using this approach, and reporting on complications of this procedure.

METHODS

This scoping review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A PubMed database search was performed using specific search terms for articles related to SHD published between January 2001 and November 2022.

RESULTS

Initial search revealed 321 articles, of which 160 published in 66 journals from 28 countries were eligible for final analysis. The number of publications increased by 10.2 folds comparing the period from 2001 to 2005 with 2018 to 2022. USA and Switzerland contributed to more than 50% of the publications. Case series studies represented the majority of publications (65.6%). Articles including adult patients represented 73.1% of the publications while 10% were on paediatric patients; however, there was 14 folds increase in publications on paediatric patients comparing the first with the last five years. Managing non-traumatic conditions was reported in 77.5% of the articles, while traumatic conditions in 21.9%. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) was the most treated non-traumatic condition reported in 53 (33.1%) articles. In contrast, femoral head fractures (FHF) were the most treated traumatic condition, which was reported in 13 articles.

CONCLUSION

The publications on SHD and its usage for managing traumatic and non-traumatic hip conditions showed an increasing trend over the past two decades from worldwide countries. Its use in adult patients is well established, and its utilization in treating paediatric hip conditions is becoming more popular.

Treatment of Symptomatic Residual Deformity in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Mid-Term Outcomes and Predictors of Failure After Surgical Hip Dislocation with Femoral-Head Reshaping and Relative Neck Lengthening

BACKGROUND

Treating patients with symptomatic hips after healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is challenging, mainly because of the complexity of the deformity. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes, measure the survival rate, and identify predictors of failure following a surgical hip dislocation (SHD) with femoral-head reshaping and relative femoral-neck lengthening for the treatment of symptomatic residual hip deformity after healed LCPD.

METHODS

We identified 60 patients undergoing SHD for the treatment of symptomatic residual LCPD deformity. Fifty-one (85%) of the patients (mean age, 16.3 ± 4.7 years; 21 male patients [41%]), were followed ≥4 years after surgery. We defined surgical failure as conversion to, or recommendation for, total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score of ≥10 at the most recent follow-up. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to identify factors that were predictive of failure. The rate of survival free from failure was estimated using a Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

Twenty (39%) of the patients met 1 of the end-point criteria for surgical failure, while the hips of the remaining 31 (61%) of the patients were successfully preserved at a median follow-up of 10.2 years (interquartile range, 5.7 to 12.9 years). The estimated survival was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70% to 92%) at 5 years and 66% (95% CI = 53% to 81%) at 10 years. Independent factors associated with surgical failure were the severity of preoperative pain as assessed by the WOMAC pain score (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.30; p = 0.01) and the severity of the deformity as assessed by the anteroposterior alpha angle (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.11; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that SHD with relative femoral-neck lengthening and osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction was associated with improved deformity as assessed radiographically and decreased pain and symptoms of stiffness among patients with symptomatic residual LCPD deformity. Preoperative pain and deformity were identified as predictors of surgical failure. Further research is needed to establish the role of SHD and other procedures in preserving the hip over the long term.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic L evel IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Epidemiology, natural evolution, pathogenesis, clinical spectrum, and management of Legg-Calvé-Perthes

Background

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a self-limiting disorder that develops in children following interruption of the blood supply to the capital femoral epiphysis. This review outlines the current knowledge on the epidemiology, natural evolution, clinical spectrum, and management of the disease.

Methods

The literature pertaining to these aspects of the disease were studied and summarized in this review.

Results

Epidemiological studies suggest that environmental factors contribute to the causation of the disease. Incidence rates monitored over time indicate that the incidence of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is declining. The natural evolution followed on sequential plain radiographs enables division of the disease into Stages Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, and IV. Reversible deformation of the capital occurs in Stages Ia-IIa simply on standing while irreversible deformation may occur in Stages IIb and IIIa. Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in Stages Ia-IIa aims to prevent the femoral head from getting deformed by containment and avoidance of weight-bearing. In Stages IIb and IIIa, treatment aims to remedy the effects of early irreversible deformation of the femoral head. In Stage IIIb and IV, treatment is directed to correcting the altered shape of the femoral head. The impression that these treatment methods are helpful is based on poor quality evidence.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need to undertake Level I studies to establish the efficacy of currently treatment.

Level of evidence

level V.

A bibliometric analysis and visualization of research trends on surgical hip dislocation

Surgical hip dislocation (SHD) is a powerful and safe approach used to address pathologic lesions around the hip joint, and therefore, many studies have been conducted in this field. However, no bibliometric studies regarding the global research trend concerning SHD have been studied yet. This study aims to determine the research status in the field of SHD research between 2001 and 2021. The publications related to SHD from 2001 to 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. Three bibliometric tools were used for this study. The main analyses include publication counts, contributions of countries, institutions, authors, journals and funding agencies, as well as analyses on clustering of references and keywords. In total, 498 articles were identified. The annual publication counts of SHD showed an ascending tendency as a whole. The United States has the most prominent contributions, with the most number of publications and the highest value of H-index. The University of Bern was the organization that produced the most literature. Professors Ganz R, Siebenrock KA, Tannast M, Steppacher SD and Leunig M were the core authors in this field. The most productive journal was Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. Burst keyword detection suggested that the following research directions, including 'surgical hip dislocation', 'outcome', 'fixation' and 'pain', are considered the research hotspots and deserve more attention. In conclusion, this is the first bibliometric analysis that provides a comprehensive overview of SHD research, which may assist investigators in exploring new directions for this technique.

T1ρ and T2 MRI show hip cartilage damage in adolescents with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a juvenile hip disorder associated with residual femoral head deformity, cartilage degeneration and a high risk of early onset hip osteoarthritis. Assessing management of LCPD in the healed phase requires an understanding of when and where hip cartilage damage happens. While it has been shown that cartilage is degenerated in healed LCPD hips in adults, it is not clear when this degeneration begins. Our research question was: Are the MR markers of cartilage degeneration T1ρ and T2 increased in healed LCPD hips in adolescents? Twelve adolescents [10-17 years old (mean 14); 3 female 9 male] with healed LCPD (Stulberg 2-5; 8 unilateral and 4 bilateral) and 15 age- and sex-matched controls were imaged in a 3T MRI using a T1ρ and a T2 sequence. We applied a mixed-effects model adjusted for age and nested by subject to determine the effect of Stulberg grade on overall and regional mean T1ρ and T2 values. T1ρ was significantly higher overall and in the medial region of Stulberg ≥3 hips, and in the medial region of Stulberg 2 hips than in the control group. T2 was significantly higher in the medial region of Stulberg ≥3 hips than in the control group. Our results suggest that cartilage damage in LCPD has begun by adolescence and that T1ρ can detect early changes in cartilage associated with LCPD.

Combined Surgical Dislocation and Periacetabular Osteotomy for Complex Residual Legg-Calvé-Perthes Deformities: Intermediate-Term Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Residual Legg-Calvé-Perthes (LCP) deformities represent one of the most challenging disorders in hip reconstructive surgery. In complex cases, both instability (acetabular dysplasia) and multifocal femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (proximal femoral deformities) require correction. We assessed intermediate-term patient-reported outcome measures, radiographic correction, complications, and survivorship for combined surgical dislocation (SD) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of complex LCP deformities.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed on 31 hips with complex LCP deformities undergoing combined SD and PAO for concurrent instability and FAI. Treatment included femoral head reshaping, trochanteric advancement and relative femoral neck lengthening, management of intra-articular lesions, and PAO. Twenty-seven hips (87%) had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. The mean age was 19.8 years, 56% of patients were female, and 44% of patients had undergone a previous surgical procedure.

RESULTS

At a mean of 8.4 years, 85% of hips (23 of 27) remained preserved (no conversion to total hip arthroplasty). The survivorship estimates were 93% at 5 years and 85% at 10 years. The median (and interquartile range) increased from 64 points (55, 67 points) to 92 points (70, 97 points) (p < 0.001) for the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and from 60 points (45, 75 points) to 86 points (75, 100 points) (p = 0.001) for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score. Symptoms (mHHS < 70 points) were reported for an additional 19% of hips (n = 5) at the final follow-up. The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity score increased from a median of 8 points (6, 10 points) to 9 points (7, 10 points) (p = 0.207). Structural correction included mean improvement (and standard deviation) of 15.3° ± 7.6° for acetabular inclination, 20.7° ± 10.8° for the lateral center-edge angle, 23.4° ± 16.3° for the anterior center-edge angle, and 18 ± 10 mm for trochanteric height (p < 0.001 for all). Complications occurred in 2 hips (7%), including 1 deep wound infection and 1 superficial wound infection. There was 1 reoperation due to complication, but there were no nerve palsies, thromboembolic events, fractures, or nonunions.

CONCLUSIONS

At an intermediate follow-up of combined SD and PAO for complex LCP deformities, 85% of hips were preserved. This procedure provides reliable deformity correction, major pain relief, improved function, and acceptable complication and failure rates.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Morscher's femoral neck lengthening osteotomy through surgical hip dislocation approach for preservation of Perthes and Perthes-like deformities

Background

Typical sequelae of Perthes disease and Perthes-like deformities comprise a short femoral neck, aspherical femoral head, and greater trochanteric overgrowth. Morscher's osteotomy aims at restoring the normal extra-articular anatomy, but incapable of restoring a normal head-neck contour with residual impingement. Femoral neck lengthening osteotomy combined with osteochondroplasty through surgical hip dislocation approach was not previously described in the literature. We hypothesized that this technique is capable of near-normal restoration of the proximal femoral anatomy, increasing limb length, restoring abductor power, and simultaneous management of intra-articular chondro-labral disease.

Methods

A prospective series of 21 consecutive patients with sequelae of Perthes disease and Perthes-like deformity (Stulberg II and III) were treated by Morscher's osteotomy through surgical hip dislocation approach. The mean age was 14.9 years (9-30 years) and the mean follow-up was 4.5 years (2-8 years).

Results

The mean Harris hip score improved significantly from 66.5 to 89.5 points (p < 0.001), and the mean limb length discrepancy improved from 2.5 to 0.6 cm (p < 0.001). The mean alpha angle improved from 81.8° to 49.5°, the mean neck-shaft angle increased from 117.8° to 129.8°, and the articulo-trochanteric distance has improved from -6.7 to 20.8 mm. Six out of 21 patients required staged periacetabular osteotomy for residual acetabular dysplasia. No cases of chondrolysis or osteonecrosis were identified.

Conclusion

Femoral neck lengthening osteotomy through surgical hip dislocation appraoch has proven to be safe and effective for preservation of symptomatic hips with Perthes and Perthes-like deformities and mild to moderate femoral head deformities (Stulberg II and III). A staged periacetabular osteotomy may be required in those patients with significant acetabular dysplasia.

Level of evidence

Level IV.

Bilateral femoral head reshaping and mosaicplasty in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease residual deformity

Residual hip deformity secondary to Perthes disease may lead to early symptomatic joint degeneration. The altered anatomy results in biomechanical and biological problems that can be surgically addressed in adolescents or young adults with hip preservation procedures. This case report aims to demonstrate a customized surgical treatment performed on a 15-year-old male who developed painful hips with significant intra- and extra-articular impingement, secondary to bilateral Leg–Calvé–Perthes disease residual deformity. Intra-articular procedures were executed through a safe surgical dislocation of the hip, with a mosaicplasty using osteochondral autografts from the exceeding peripheral ipsilateral femoral head, a femoral head–neck osteochondroplasty and a labrum repair. A relative lengthening of the femoral neck was also carried out with a trochanteric advancement to solve the extra-articular issues. On follow-up, he referred to a substantial improvement in pain and function, being his radiographic studies satisfactory. At 4 and 5 years from surgery, the patient was able to exercise regularly with minimal complaints, with a Harris Hip Score of 85.85% and a Hip Outcome Score of 94.1% for activities of daily life and 86.1% for sports. In patients with hip deformity after healed Perthes disease, treatment strategies that address both the morphological disturbance of coxa magna, plana and breva, as well as the biological concerns arising from osteochondral injuries or labral tears, and mechanical dysfunctions lead to improvements in symptomatology, function and medium-term prognosis. Further procedures to address residual adaptative acetabular dysplasia would favor outcomes of conservative hip surgery in the sequelae of LCPD.

Outcome after osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening for patients with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: a retrospective cohort study of patients with hip-deformities treated with osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening

AIMS

Our main objectives were to evaluate the effect of surgery using self-assessed health scores. Secondary objectives were to correlate outcome with grade of deformity (Stulberg classification I-V) or age at surgery and whether additional periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is beneficial for patients with concurrent acetabular dysplasia.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort and in part a cross sectional study using a planned clinical and radiological follow-up of patients. All patients with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) treated with osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening using surgical hip dislocation, with or without periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) were included. A total of 39 patients were identified and invited to participate (29 males and 10 females) of which 32 accepted.Radiographic assessment and Stulberg classification were obtained. The Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and the VAS scale of EQ-5D-5L were used.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients experienced improvement (74%, n = 27) and 21 patients (78%, n = 27) found the surgery worthwhile. Preoperative Stulberg II and III patients (83% improvement) showed better results than Stulberg IV and V patients (56% improvement) (n = 27, p = 0.121). There was significantly better patient-satisfaction for those younger than 29 years of age (⩽18 years old (92%), 19-28 years old (89%), ⩾29 years old (67%), x²(2) = 8512, n = 27, p = 0.022) and a negative correlation for age at onset of LCPD and mHHS (r = -0.420, p = 0.046, n = 23). Patients with concurrent acetabular dysplasia (n = 19), 82% (9 of 11) improved after additional PAO compared to 63% (5 of 8) who were not operated on with PAO.

CONCLUSION

This procedure is worthwhile in selected cases except for severe deformity (Stulberg IV and V) and patients >28 years of age.

A review of outcomes associated with femoral neck lengthening osteotomy in patients with coxa brevis

PURPOSE

Double and triple femoral neck lengthening osteotomies have been described to correct coxa brevis deformity. Only small studies reported the results. Our aim was to provide an overview of the outcomes of double and triple femoral neck lengthening.

METHODS

After an extensive search of different online databases, we included studies reporting the results of double and triple femoral neck osteotomies. Clinical and radiological outcomes, and reported complications were extracted. The review process was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

RESULTS

After evaluating 456 articles, we included 11 articles reporting 149 osteotomies in 143 patients (31% male, 64% female, 5% unspecified). Mean age of the patients was 20 years (range 7 years to 52 years). Indications were developmental hip dysplasia (51%), Perthes disease (27%), infection (6%), post-trauma (4%), congenital disorders (2%), slipped capital femoral epiphysis (1%), idiopathic (3%) and unknown (6%). The mean limb length discrepancy reduced by 12 mm (0 mm to 40 mm). In total, 65% of 101 positive Trendelenburg sign hips experienced improvement of abductor muscle strength. An 18% (9% to 36%) increase could be found in functional hip scores. Mean increase in articulo-trochanteric distance was 24 mm (10 mm to 34 mm). Five patients older than 30 years at the time of osteotomy and two younger patients with prior hip incongruency had disappointing results and required arthroplasty. In all, 12 complications occurred in 128 osteotomies, in which complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Double and triple femoral neck lengthening osteotomies in coxa brevis show good results with few complications in the literature, especially in young patients with non-arthritic hips.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Impingement-free hip range of motion after osteochondroplasty and relative neck lengthening in adults with healed Perthes disease

Objective

Our main objective is to assess the efficiency of the osteochondroplasty with relative neck lengthening in adults with healed Perthes clinically (through assessment of impingement-free hip ROM, functional scores) and radiographically.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective case series study included 30 hips of 30 patients who underwent osteochondroplasty and RNL due to symptomatic healed LCPD. This study included 16 males (53.3%) and 14 females (46.7%). The age of patients ranged from 19 to 40 years with mean age 26.4 years at the date of surgery (SD 6.4).

Results

Median time of follow-up was 27.7 months after surgery (range 12–60 months). Two patients (6.6%) developed avascular necrosis (AVN) and needing total hip replacement; none of our patients developed nerve injury, detachment of the trochanteric fragment, and wound infection needing treatment. Preoperative Stulberg classes II and III improved more than preoperative Stulberg classes IV and V, although not statistically significant (P = 0.1104, n = 30). The mean HHS and WOMAC score values for each patient were higher in the Stulberg II and III groups compared to the Stulberg IV and V groups

Conclusion

Head and neck osteochondroplasty performed through the surgical dislocation approach, combined with RFNL, relieved pain and restored function in most of the patients with reasonable complications.

Level of evidence

IV

Complications associated with combined surgical hip dislocation and periacetabular osteotomy for complex hip deformities

Surgical hip dislocation (SD) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) are well-described treatments for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and acetabular dysplasia, respectively. Occasionally, complex deformities require a combined SD/PAO; the morbidity of performing both procedures in a single stage has not been fully investigated. We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive group of patients undergoing combined SD/PAO to investigate the incidence and character of perioperative complications. Forty-five patients (46 hips) were identified. Perioperative complications were graded by the modified Clindo-Davien complication scheme. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 12-128), and no patients were lost to follow-up. Six complications occurred in six hips (13%). Four (8.7%) complications were minor (Grades I or II): one Brooker Grade III heterotopic ossification requiring no treatment, one superior pubic ramus nonunion requiring no treatment and two superficial wound infections requiring antibiotics. Two (4.3%) complications were major (Grades III or IV): one coxa saltans interna and labral tear requiring hip arthroscopy with labral repair and iliopsoas lengthening, and one deep surgical site infection requiring irrigation and debridement followed by development of arthritis requiring conversion to arthroplasty. The average Harris hip score improved from 62 ± 13 preoperatively to 80 ± 19 at final follow-up. Except for the single joint replacement, there were no long-term disabilities. There were no major neurovascular injuries, osteonecrosis, fractures or trochanteric nonunions. Combined SD/PAO for the treatment of complex, concomitant deformities of the proximal femur and acetabulum is associated with an acceptable risk of complications. The vast majority of complications that occurred were managed without permanent disability. Level of Evidence: IV.

The Pathogenesis and Treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a childhood hip condition in which the blood supply to the capital femoral epiphysis is interrupted, causing osteonecrosis and chondronecrosis that lead to progressive deformity of the femoral head and secondary degenerative osteoarthritis in later life. The etiology of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease remains unclear, with both biological and mechanical factors playing important roles in the pathogenesis of the condition. The treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease remains controversial but is dependent on several salient factors, including the age at clinical onset, the extent of epiphyseal involvement, the stage of the disease, and the degree of femoral head deformity. The literature supports operative containment treatment in the early stage of disease. Such treatment has led to improved femoral head sphericity with better patient outcomes in multicenter prospective cohort studies. The number of hips that need to be treated operatively in order to achieve a modest treatment effect remains high. Multicenter prospective cohort studies have shown that 6 to 7 patients need to be managed to create 1 spherical femoral head that would not have otherwise occurred.

Natural History of Structural Hip Abnormalities and the Potential for Hip Preservation

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) exerts a significant burden on society, affecting 3% of Americans aged >30 years. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathoanatomy and pathomechanics of the hip have led to treatment options for young adults with hip pain. Femoroacetabular impingement, specifically cam-type femoroacetabular impingement, hip dysplasia, and the sequelae of pediatric hip disease can predispose the hip to early OA. However, many patients with abnormal anatomic findings do not develop early OA, suggesting that there exist other patient characteristics that are protective despite abnormal bony anatomy. Outcome studies show that arthroscopic and open hip procedures improve pain and function in patients with symptomatic hips. However, there is currently limited evidence that these procedures extend the life of the patient's natural hip. Additional studies are needed to determine protective or adaptive factors in patients with abnormal anatomy who do not develop early OA and to determine whether joint preserving hip surgery extends the life of the native hip joint.

Short-term outcomes of open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular femoroacetabular impingement

INTRODUCTION

The purposes of this study were to describe: (i) short-term disease-specific patient-reported outcome scores (PROMs); and (ii) factors associated with reoperation or treatment failure in patients undergoing open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular FAI.

METHODS

Patients undergoing open hip preservation surgery for symptomatic extraarticular FAI were identified from a prospective, single-centre hip preservation registry (n = 51 patients; median clinical follow-up 24 [range 11-49] months). Hip-specific PROMs were assessed preoperatively, 6 months, and each year subsequently. Patients undergoing reoperation or treatment failure (<10 point improvement in iHOT-33 postoperatively) over the study period were identified. Preoperative associated factors were explored on a univariate basis.

RESULTS

International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) improved from 33 (standard deviation [SD] 18) to 62 (26) at most recent follow-up and 76% of patients improved by minimum clinically important difference (MCID). Harris Hip Score improved from 53 (15) to 75 (17) at most recent follow-up and 79% of patients improved by MCID. Hip Outcome Score (HOS) Sport improved from 45 (26) to 66 (28) at most recent follow-up and 60% of patients improved by MCID. Continued improvements in mean follow-up scores were seen from 1 year to 2 years. Overall, 7 patients underwent reoperation and 9 patients failed to improve by MCID. Preoperative HOS Sport was higher in patients experiencing reoperation or treatment failure (58 [SD 19] vs. 40 [SD 27] respectively; p = 0.03). No other associated demographic, physical examination, or radiographic factors were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Open treatment of extraarticular FAI results in short-term improvements in hip-specific PROMs in most patients. Higher HOS Sport scores were associated with reoperation or treatment failure. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to define maximum improvements in this challenging patient population.

Surgical dislocation for pediatric and adolescent hip deformity: clinical and radiographical results at 3 years follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical, radiographic short-term results and complications after surgical hip dislocation in young patients (≤18 years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed in patients who underwent a surgical hip dislocation Ganz-type approach between 2008 and 2012. Diagnosis included Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, femoroacetabular impingement, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, multiple hereditary exostoses and pigmented villonodular synovitis. Clinical data, the modified Harris hip score, nonarthritic hip score, 12-item short form health survey, the Stulberg classification, morphometric indexes, signs of osteonecrosis and osteoarthrosis were used for the evaluation.

RESULTS

After a mean 3 years follow-up (range 0.5-6 years), 53 hips (51 patients) were evaluated. The most common diagnoses were Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, femoroacetabular impingement and multiple hereditary exostoses. Mean age at surgery was 14 years (range 10-18 years). Through this approach femoral head-neck osteoplasty, Dunn-type osteotomy, labrum refixation, synovectomy, femoral head mosaicplasty open reduction and fixation for slipped capital femoral epiphysis were performed, finally in association with pelvic or intertrochanteric osteotomy. At follow-up, better outcome scores were obtained, progression of the osteonecrosis of the femoral head was observed in four cases and three further patients required the implant of a total hip prosthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

After 3 years follow-up, results are comparable to previous studies and patients have a high rate of satisfaction, however the effectiveness of those procedures have to be proved on the long term. Results and complications seem to be related with preoperative lesion(s) and type of treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective study, case series.

Incidence and Complications of Open Hip Preservation Surgery: An ABOS Database Review

Hip preservation surgery encompasses various surgical procedures that have the goal of decreasing the progression of osteoarthritis, preserving normal hip function, and delaying the need for arthroplasty. These procedures can encompass arthroscopic, open, and combined techniques. This study investigated the trends and complications associated with open hip preservation surgery performed by candidates undergoing Part II of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery examination. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part II surgeon case database was queried from the years 2003 to 2013 for Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes related to open hip preservation surgery in patients 10 years and older. Patient demographics, fellowship training, geographic location, and complications were extracted from the database. These data were analyzed to determine the incidence by year of individual procedures and complications. During the study period, 644 cases (352 male, 292 female; mean age, 29.7 years) and 730 CPT codes were reported. The most commonly reported fellowship was pediatric orthopedics. No trend was observed in the overall incidence of these surgeries, but there was an increase in the number of cases performed in the Midwest. There were 212 reported complications, with a rate of 33% per case, or 29% per CPT code (range, 12.5%-100% per CPT code). Complications reported ranged from infection to death. The incidence of complications over time showed no discernible trend. Based on the results of this study, the yearly incidence and complications associated with open hip preservation surgery performed by surgeons undergoing board certification should continue at a predictable rate. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e109-e116.].

Surgical dislocation of the hip without trochanteric osteotomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical dislocation of the hip remains an important alternative in hip preservation surgery, especially when a dynamic access to the hip is needed and arthroscopy is not a suitable option. We describe a novel technique for operative dislocation of the hip without trochanteric osteotomy and the clinical results of our patients.

METHODS

Surgical dislocation of the hip without trochanteric osteotomy was done through a modified lateral approach in all of the cases. A review of demographic, clinical, and radiological data was done in all of the patients operated with this technique between 2010 and 2015. Complications, walking aids, weight-bearing status, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) were also recorded.

RESULTS

Six surgical dislocations of the hip were carried out. Indications were tumor resection in five and bulletectomy in one hip. There were two women (four hips) and two men. Mean age was 19 ± 3.8 years. Median follow-up was 2.5 years (range 2-4.5 years). Median mHHS was 92 (90-96). There were no intraoperative nor postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical dislocation of the hip without trochanteric osteotomy through a modified lateral approach appears to be a safe, simpler, and effective alternative.

Imaging of femoroacetabular impingement-current concepts

Following the recognition of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) as a clinical entity, diagnostic tools have continuously evolved. While the diagnosis of FAI is primarily made based on the patients' history and clinical examination, imaging of FAI is indispensable. Routine diagnostic work-up consists of a set of plain radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR-arthrography. Recent advances in MRI technology include biochemically sensitive sequences bearing the potential to detect degenerative changes of the hip joint at an early stage prior to their appearance on conventional imaging modalities. Computed tomography may serve as an adjunct. Advantages of CT include superior bone to soft tissue contrast, making CT applicable for image-guiding software tools that allow evaluation of the underlying dynamic mechanisms causing FAI. This article provides a summary of current concepts of imaging in FAI and a review of the literature on recent advances, and their application to clinical practice.

Techniques and Results for Open Hip Preservation

While hip arthroscopy grows in popularity, there are still many circumstances under which open hip preservation is the most appropriately indicated. This article specifically reviews open hip preservation procedures for a variety of hip conditions. Femoral acetabular impingement may be corrected using an open surgical hip dislocation. Acetabular dysplasia may be corrected using a periacetabular osteotomy. Acetabular protrusio may require surgical hip dislocation with rim trimming and a possible valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease produces complex deformities that may be better served with osteotomies of the proximal femur and/or acetabulum. Chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis may also benefit from a surgical hip dislocation and/or proximal femoral osteotomy.

Hip impingement: beyond femoroacetabular

In the last 20 years, femoroacetabular impingement has been at the forefront of clinical practice as a cause of hip pain in young adults. As arthroscopic techniques for the hip continue to evolve, the possible presence of a new group of conditions creating mechanical conflict in and around the hip joint (ischiofemoral, subspine and iliopsoas impingement) has recently been elucidated whilst interest in already known 'impingement' syndromes (pelvic-trochanteric and pectineofoveal impingement) is now revived. This article attempts to increase awareness of these relatively uncommon clinical entities by describing their pathomorphology, contact mechanics, treatment and published results available to present. It is hoped that such knowledge will diversify therapeutic options for the clinician, thereby improving outcomes in a small but not negligible portion of patients with previously unexplained persistent symptoms.

Current Concepts in Hip Preservation Surgery: Part I

Context:

An evolution in conceptual understanding, coupled with technical innovations, has enabled hip preservation surgeons to address complex pathomorphologies about the hip joint to reduce pain, optimize function, and potentially increase the longevity of the native hip joint. Technical aspects of hip preservation surgeries are diverse and range from isolated arthroscopic or open procedures to hybrid procedures that combine the advantages of arthroscopy with open surgical dislocation, pelvic and/or proximal femoral osteotomy, and biologic treatments for cartilage restoration.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched to identify relevant scientific and review articles from January 1920 to January 2015 using the search terms hip preservation, labrum, surgical dislocation, femoroacetabular impingement, peri-acetabular osteotomy, and rotational osteotomy. Reference lists of included articles were reviewed to locate additional references of interest.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Thoughtful individualized surgical procedures are available to optimize the femoroacetabular joint in the presence of hip dysfunction.

Conclusion:

A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between femoral and pelvic orientation, morphology, and the development of intra-articular abnormalities is necessary to formulate a patient-specific approach to treatment with potential for a successful long-term result.

Surgical hip dislocation: techniques for success

Surgical hip dislocation (SHD) is a versatile approach used to address both intra-articular and extra-articular pathology around the hip joint in both pediatric and adult patients. It allows anterior dislocation of the femoral head for direct visualization of the hip joint while preserving femoral head vascularity and minimizing trauma to the abductor musculature. Previously described indications for SHD include femoroacetabular impingement, deformity resulting from Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, periarticular trauma, benign lesions of the hip joint, and osteochondral lesions. In this review, we will describe current surgical techniques, indications, and clinical outcomes for SHD.

Current perspectives on the pediatric hip: selected topics in hip dysplasia, Perthes disease, and chondrolysis: synopsis of the hip subspecialty session at the POSNA Annual Meeting, May 1, 2013, Toronto

The following are proceedings from the Hip Breakout Session held at the 2013 annual meeting of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America in Toronto, Canada. The organizer's goal of the meeting was to gather experts with years of clinical experience to discuss topics based upon both experience and current clinical evidence. The topics that were selected represented the most commonly encountered pathology where there are wide variations of clinical practice. The invited speakers were asked to summarize both their clinical experience and the current scientific evidence and to summarize areas that require further scientific investigation.

Relative femoral neck lengthening improves pain and hip function in proximal femoral deformities with a high-riding trochanter

BACKGROUND

Complex proximal femoral deformities, including an elevated greater trochanter, short femoral neck, and aspherical head-neck junction, often result in pain and impaired hip function resulting from intra-/extraarticular impingement. Relative femoral neck lengthening may address these deformities, but mid-term results of this approach have not been widely reported.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

Do patients who have undergone relative femoral neck lengthening show (1) less hip pain and greater function; (2) improved radiographic parameters; (3) significant complications requiring subsequent surgery; and (4) progression of osteoarthrosis (OA) or conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) at mid-term followup?

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients (41 hips) with isolated relative femoral neck lengthening between 1998 and 2006 with sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (38 hips [93%]), slipped capital femoral epiphysis (two hips [5%]), and postseptic arthritis (one hip [2%]). During this time, the general indications for this procedure included a high-riding greater trochanter with a short femoral neck with abductor weakness and symptomatic intra-/extraarticular impingement. Mean patient followup was 8 years (range, 5-13 years), and complete followup was available in 38 patients (39 hips [95%]). We evaluated pain and function with the impingement test, limp, abductor force, Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score, and range of motion. Radiographic parameters included trochanteric height, alpha angle, and progression of OA. Subsequent surgeries, complications, and conversion to THA were summarized.

RESULTS

The proportion of positive anterior impingement tests decreased from 93% (38 of 41 hips) preoperatively to 49% (17 of 35 hips) at latest followup (p = 0.002); the proportion of limp decreased from 76% (31 of 41 hips) to 9% (three of 35 hips; p < 0.001); the proportion of normal abductor strength increased from 17% (seven of 41 hips) to 91% (32 of 35 hips; p < 0.001); mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score increased from 14 ± 1.7 (range, 9-17) to 17 ± 1.5 (range, 13-18; p < 0.001); mean internal rotation increased to 25° ± 15° (range, 0°-60°; p = 0.045), external rotation to 32° ± 14° (range, 5°-70°; p = 0.013), and abduction to 37° ± 13° (range, 10°-50°; p = 0.004). Eighty percent of hips (33 of 41 hips) showed normal trochanteric height; alpha angle improved to 42° ± 10° (range, 27°-90°). Two hips (5%) had subsequent surgeries as a result of lack of containment; four of 41 hips (10%) had complications resulting in reoperation. Fourteen of 35 hips (40%) showed progression of OA; four of 40 hips (10%) converted to THA.

CONCLUSIONS

Relative femoral neck lengthening in hips with combined intra- and extraarticular impingement results in reduced pain, improved function, and improved radiographic parameters of the proximal femur. Although lack of long-term complications is gratifying, progression of OA was not prevented and remains an area for future research.

Does surgical hip dislocation and periacetabular osteotomy improve pain in patients with Perthes-like deformities and acetabular dysplasia?

BACKGROUND

Patients with symptomatic residual Perthes-like deformities may present with a combination of structural abnormalities including a large aspheric femoral head, short and wide femoral neck, high greater trochanter, and acetabular dysplasia. Sometimes, the hip is further compromised by concurrent symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) (proximal femoral deformities) and structural instability (acetabular dysplasia).

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore sought to characterize (1) the intraoperative findings; (2) radiographic correction; and (3) early patient-reported outcomes, complications, and failures of treating complex Perthes-like hip deformities with combined surgical dislocation and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO).

METHODS

We performed 694 hip preservation procedures between November 2006 and August 2010. Of these, 46 had residual Perthes-like hip deformities, defined as proximal deformity consistent with residual Perthes and a history of Perthes disease or treatment of pediatric hip dysplasia. Of these, we report on 16 patients (16 hips) with residual Perthes-like hip deformities and associated acetabular dysplasia (structural instability, defined as radiographic evidence of acetabular dysplasia with intraoperative confirmation of instability). These 16 patients were treated with a combined surgical hip dislocation to comprehensively address intraarticular and extraarticular sources of FAI and PAO to address structural instability and were analyzed at a minimum 24-month followup (median, 40 months; range, 24-78 months). No patients in this series were lost to followup. Ten patients' hips had previous surgical treatment, including six with previous osteotomy. Operative findings were extracted from standardized prospectively collected intraoperative data collection forms. Radiographic correction was evaluated with established methods (lateral center-edge angle, anterior center-edge angle, acetabular inclination, center-to-trochanter distance) and clinical outcomes were measured with the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) as well as by prospectively recorded data on patient complications and followup.

RESULTS

Acetabular labrochondral abnormalities included labral hypertrophy in all hips and labral and/or articular cartilage lesions requiring treatment in 13 hips. Radiographic analysis demonstrated consistent radiographic correction. The median preoperative mHHS improved from 64 to 92 at a median followup of 40 months (p < 0.001). Fourteen patients (14 hips) had a good or excellent clinical result. Two patients (two hips) were classified as failures based on mHHS less than 70 (n = 1) or conversion to total hip arthroplasty (n = 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined surgical hip dislocation and PAO provides major deformity correction in Perthes-like hip deformities with associated acetabular dysplasia. Early clinical results suggest this technique is safe and effective. Long-term studies are needed to determine if improved long-term outcomes are associated with comprehensive deformity correction.

Twelve percent of hips with a primary cam deformity exhibit a slip-like morphology resembling sequelae of slipped capital femoral epiphysis

BACKGROUND

In some hips with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), we observed a morphology resembling a more subtle form of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Theoretically, the morphology in these hips should differ from hips with a primary cam-type deformity.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We asked if (1) head-neck offset; (2) epiphyseal angle; and (3) tilt angle differ among hips with a slip-like morphology, idiopathic cam, hips after in situ pinning of SCFE, and normal hips; and (4) what is the prevalence of a slip-like morphology among cam-type hips?

METHODS

We retrospectively compared the three-dimensional anatomy of hips with a slip-like morphology (29 hips), in situ pinning for SCFE (eight hips), idiopathic cam deformity (171 hips), and 30 normal hips using radial MRI arthrography. Normal hips were derived from 17 asymptomatic volunteers. All other hips were recruited from a series of 277 hips (243 patients) seen at a specialized academic hip center between 2006 and 2010. Forty-one hips with isolated pincer deformity were excluded. Thirty-six of 236 hips had a known cause of cam impingement (secondary cam), including eight hips after in situ pinning of SCFE (postslip group). The 200 hips with a primary cam were separated in hips with a slip-like morphology (combination of positive fovea sign [if the neck axis did not intersect with the fovea capitis] and a tilt angle [between the neck axis and perpendicular to the basis of the epiphysis] exceeding 4°) and hips with an idiopathic cam. We evaluated offset ratio, epiphyseal angle (angle between the neck axis and line connecting the center of the femoral head and the point where the physis meets the articular surface), and tilt angle circumferentially around the femoral head-neck axis. Prevalence of slip-like morphology was determined based on the total of 236 hips with cam deformities.

RESULTS

Offset ratio was decreased anterosuperiorly in idiopathic cam, slip-like, and postslip (eg, 1 o'clock position with a mean offset ranging from 0.00 to 0.14; p < 0.001 for all groups) compared with normal hips (0.25 ± 0.06 [95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.37]) and increased posteroinferiorly in slip-like (eg, 8 o'clock position, 0.5 ± 0.09 [0.32-0.68]; p < 0.001) and postslip groups (0.55 ± 0.12 [0.32-0.78]; p < 0.001) and did not differ in idiopathic cam (0.32 ± 0.09 [0.15-0.49]; p = 0.323) compared with normal (0.31 ± 0.07 [0.18-0.44]) groups. Epiphyseal angle was increased anterosuperiorly in the slip-like (eg, 1 o'clock position, 70° ± 9° [51°-88°]; p < 0.001) and postslip groups (75° ± 13° [49°-100°]; p = 0.008) and decreased in idiopathic cam (50° ± 8° [35°-65°]; p < 0.001) compared with normal hips (58° ± 8° [43°-74°]). Posteroinferiorly, epiphyseal angle was decreased in slip-like (eg, 8 o'clock position, 54° ± 10° [34°-74°]; p < 0.001) and postslip (44° ± 11° [23°-65°]; p < 0.001) groups and did not differ in idiopathic cam (76° ± 8° [61°-91°]; p = 0.099) compared with normal (73° ± 7° [59°-88°]) groups. Tilt angle increased in slip-like (eg, 2/8 o'clock position, 14° ± 8° [-1° to 30°]; p < 0.001) and postslip hips (29° ± 10° [9°-48°]; p < 0.001) and decreased in hips with idiopathic cam (-7° ± 5° [-17° to 4°]; p < 0.001) compared with normal (-1° ± 5° [-10° to 8°]) hips. The prevalence of a slip-like morphology was 12%.

CONCLUSIONS

The slip-like morphology is the second most frequent pathomorphology in hips with primary cam deformity. MRI arthrography of the hip allows identifying a slip-like morphology, which resembles hips after in situ pinning of SCFE and distinctly differs from hips with idiopathic cam. These results support previous studies reporting that SCFE might be a risk factor for cam-type FAI.

Does previous osteotomy compromise total hip arthroplasty? A systematic review

Hip osteotomy surgery has increased over the past several years, yet the impact of these procedures on subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to determine the clinical results, procedure complications, and survivorship of THA following previous hip osteotomy. Ten studies met inclusion criteria. The operative time and estimated blood loss were higher in the post-osteotomy cohorts; while the clinical results and survivorship between groups were similar. THA following previous pelvic and femoral osteotomy provides pain relief and improved function with similar complication rates, clinical outcomes, and survivorship compared to hips undergoing routine primary THA. These procedures can be technically more demanding with increased operative times and intraoperative blood loss.

Management of Perthes' disease

The main complication of Perthes' disease is femoral head deformation. Evidence from the literature highlights two important factors related to the cause and timing of this complication. (1) Extrusion of the femoral head appears to be a major factor that leads to femoral head deformation. (2) Deformation of the femoral head occurs in the latter part of the stage of fragmentation. The likelihood of preventing femoral head deformation is over 16 times higher if extrusion is reversed or prevented by the early stage of fragmentation than if done later. Several treatment options have been described in children who present later in the course of the disease but the outcomes of all these measures do not compare with those of early intervention.

Recognition of minor adult hip dysplasia: which anatomical indices are important?

The rise in popularity of hip arthroscopy has led to a renewed interest in mild hip dysplasia. There is a lack of clarity in the literature regarding both the diagnosis and management of such patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the relative importance of and the inter-relationship between the classically described anatomical indices of dysplasia.One hundred and fifty hips with varying degrees of hip dysplasia were studied. The following were measured: centre-edge (CE), Sharp's and Tönnis angles, acetabular head index (AHI), and acetabular index of depth to width (AIDW). Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated.Using the CE angle 82 hips were classified as normal and 68 dysplastic. Of the 82 patients with a normal CE angle, 20-39% were dysplastic on at least one other variable. The CE angle did not have a significant correlation to other variables. The remaining four variables showed inter-correlations between 0.26 and 0.54. Overall the Tönnis angle showed the strongest correlation with the other variables. In the patient group with CE angles 21o to 25o (minor dysplasia) 72% of hips had Tönnis angles greater than 10o and 28% had angles greater than or equal to 15o indicating the great variability in the level of dysplasia within this group.In patients with mild dysplasia we have shown that measurement of a single anatomical variable may lead to under-diagnosis. We recommend the measurement the CE angle combined with at least one other variable and suggest the use of the Tönnis angle.

The lesser trochanter as a cause of hip impingement: pathophysiology and treatment options

Impingement of the lesser trochanter on the ischium or the posterior acetabular rim is not a frequent pathology, but has recently received increased recognition. We have seen 14 cases over a period of 14 years, but concentrate on eight hips showing complex deformities revealing similar characteristics. All eight hips had a residual Perthes or a Perthes-like disease with an elliptically deformed femoral head, but a congurent joint a short or absent femoral neck, a high riding greater trochanter, and a reduced vertical distance between the head and the lesser trochanter. Impingement took place between the lesser trochanter and the ischium or the posteroinferior acetabular border, but was hardly recognisable due to the predominant intraarticular impingement of the nonspherical femoral head and the extraarticular impingement of the greater trochanter. In three cases the impingement showed reproducible subluxation of the hip. While in our hips, excision was the preferred treatment for impingement due to an oversized lesser trochanter, distal advancement was used in the hips with the Perthes morphology; the surgical time was not longer. The overall clinical results in this group however were dominated by a substantial increase in the range of motion (ROM), dependent mainly on the achieved contour of the femoral head and the relative lengthening of the neck. Strength of active hip flexion was normal. Recurrent subluxation disappeared and no complications were recorded.

A systematic approach to analyse the sequelae of LCPD

The analysis and treatment of hips with healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) differs substantially from the treatment in the acute phase of the disease. More specifically, the treating orthopaedic surgeon is often faced with a complex three-dimensional pathomorphology of the hip that is difficult to understand and correct. To date, none of the current classification systems provide a useful decision-making algorithm with regards to the type of surgical intervention necessary to improve hip function in patients with sequelae of LCPD. The conceptual recognition of the femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and the ability to safely dislocate the hip have revolutionised our diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm for joint-preserving surgery of hips with structural residuals of LCPD. We present a systematic approach to analyse femoral and acetabular pathomorphologic features. The resulting pathomechanisms and the surgical treatment options are presented.

Perthes disease: evaluation and management

Perthes disease refers to self-limiting idiopathic avascular necrosis of capital femoral epiphysis in a child. There is no consensus for the optimum treatment of Perthes disease even 100 years after the first description. The prime aim of the treatment is to maintain the sphericity of the femoral head and the congruency of the femur-acetabulum relationship to prevent secondary degenerative arthritis. Early diagnosis and management can help the collapse of femoral head, progressive femoral head deformity, and impingement.

Operative treatment of FAI: open hip preservation surgery

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is characterized by abnormal contact of the hip joint. Many etiologies cause this painful condition, which leads to early osteoarthritis. While hip arthroscopy has become the most prevalent way to surgically correct a hip, some presentations of FAI require open surgical hip preservation techniques to fully address the pathology at hand. Certain head neck deformities may require open surgical hip dislocation utilizing a trochanteric slide osteotomy. A retroverted acetabulum may require an open periacetabular osteotomy to gain anteversion and eliminate impingement in the hip joint. Acetabular protrusio may require surgical hip dislocation with rim trimming and a possible valgus intertrochanter osteotomy. The sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease causes complex abnormalities about the hip joint, which may require open surgery to address both the intra-articular pathology and the extra-articular pathology. Osteotomies of the proximal femur and acetabulum may all be necessary to restore a hip back to normal morphology. Chronic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) may also require open surgical hip dislocations and complex intertrochanter osteotomies to recreate normal morphology.