Treatment of coxa vara utilizing an external fixator

Abstract

Background Valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy is the gold standard in the surgical treatment of coxa vara. Nevertheless, there has been no consensus on the method of fixation and osteotomy details. In the literature, there are few reports on using rigid internal fixation methods that preclude the need for postoperative immobilization. Patients and methods In this study, 15 hips of 13 patients with the diagnosis of developmental coxa vara underwent subtrochanteric osteotomy with stabilization using an external fixator. Results All osteotomies achieved the planned correction angle, and all osteotomies healed primarily except in one case. Radiographic analysis revealed an improvement in Hilgenreiner's epiphyseal angle and neck-shaft angle. Conclusion This technique proved to be safe and effective in the treatment of proximal femoral deformity associated with coxa vara and limb length discrepancy. It has potential advantages over commonly used open techniques and provides an available alternative to currently applied methods used for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomies.