Abstract

Thirty-five patients with unilateral or bilateral neglected congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) were treated with subtrochanteric valgus-extension osteotomy between 1975 and 1992. There were 29 females and 6 males in the group. A total of 50 osteotomies was performed. The mean age of the patients was 22 years; the mean follow-up was 7 years. Before operation, the main complaints were pain and gait abnormalities. Leg-length discrepancy was another problem, especially for unilateral cases. The main indication for the operation was pain. This pelvic support osteotomy was performed to correct the instability of the hip and as a result of this to relieve pain. Patients were retrospectively evaluated based upon Harris Hip Score and self-evaluation. The mean Harris Hip Score was 49 before operation and improved to 72 after the operation. Alleviation of the pain was the most significant functional outcome of the treatment. It was also noted that limping could be improved if an adequate rehabilitation program was followed. We conclude that in neglected CDH cases with pain, limping and lumbar hyperlordosis in the young adult, a subtrochanteric valgus-extension osteotomy can give satisfactory results.