Long-term follow-up of DDH patients who underwent open reduction without a postoperative cast

Abstract

We present the results - assessed after bony maturation - of an early anterior approach open reduction performed using our modified technique on 49 hips at 6-24 months of age. We start postoperative functional treatment using a Pavlik harness and an abduction splint, abandoning plaster cast. Secondary surgeries were performed in 11 hips (22.4%) at 3-7 years of age. Our results were 'satisfactory' (Severin Grade I, II) in 96% of the cases. According to the joints' Severin Grade, the total hip replacement probability at an early age is 8.16% in our series. Our principles and practice, introduced in 1980 in terms of secondary surgeries, are in total harmony with the recent literature.