Paralytic dislocations of the hip in adolescence: Orthopaedic treatment

Abstract

Paralytic dislocation of the hip in adolescence is not typical, but presents a serious problem whether diagnosed primarily in adolescence or due to the lack of treatment or failed treatment in earlier age. It is characteristic of cerebral palsy and myelomeningocele. If the paralytic dislocation of the hip in adolescence is asymmetric, then pelvic obliquity, leg-length discrepancy, imbalance in sitting position, scoliosis and secondary spondylosis with all its consequences ensue. Complications like hip pains due to secondary arthrosis and walking ability impairment are frequent in ambulatory patients. The dislocation is the result of muscle imbalances in the hip region. The diagnosis is based on Illness history, clinical examination, neurological examination and radiography. Treatment is mostly operative, except in cases of pelvic symmetry and absence of difficulties. Pelvic and/or femoral osteotomy with or without open reduction of the hip is done in ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy. Soft-tissue surgery, hip flexors release and tenotomy of the hip adductors, are done in non-ambulatory patients with cerebral palsy. In patients with myelomeningocele soft-tissue surgery, hip flexors release and tractus iliotibialis resection on the lower side of the pelvis, are done regardless of the ability to walk. The same bone surgery procedures as in cerebral palsy are done only in ambulatory patients with unilateral dislocations if soft-tissue surgery failed.