Proximal Femoral Deformity Research Articles

Clinical Relevance of Valgus Deformity of Proximal Femur in Cerebral Palsy

Proximal femoral deformity related to physis has not been studied in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). This study was performed to investigate the clinical relevance of neck shaft angle (NSA), head shaft angle (HSA), and proximal femoral epiphyseal shape in patients with CP, which represent the deformities of metaphysis, physis, and epiphysis, respectively. Three hundred eighty-four patients with CP (mean age 9.1 y, 249 males and 135 females) were included. Extent of involvement and functional states [Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level] were obtained. Radiographic measurements including NSA, HSA, and qualitative shape of the proximal femoral epiphysis were evaluated and analyzed according to extent of involvement and GMFCS level. Reliability and correlation with each measurement were assessed. Multiple regression test was performed to examine the significant contributing factors to migration percentage (MP) that represents hip instability. NSA showed excellent interobserver reliability with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.976. Correlation with the MP was higher in the NSA (r=0.419, P<0.001) than in the HSA (r=0.256, P<0.001). NSA, HSA, and MP tended to increase with increasing GMFCS level, and proportion of valgus deformed proximal femoral epiphysis also increased with increasing GMFCS level, which means valgus deformity and unstable hips in the less favorable functional states. Multiple regression analysis revealed NSA, GMFCS level, and shape of the proximal femoral epiphysis to be significant factors affecting MP. NSA appeared to be more clinically relevant than HSA in evaluating proximal femoral deformity in patients with CP. Shape of proximal femoral epiphysis is believed to have clinical implications in terms of hip instability. Diagnostic level II.

Guided Growth of the Proximal Femur

The concept of guided growth has been used for decades in the lower extremities of children, but has not been applied to correct varus or valgus deformity in the hip, such as those that occur in children with cerebral palsy or developmental dysplasia of the hip. The purpose of this study is to determine whether guided growth techniques are effective at altering the morphology of the proximal femur in a lamb model. Ten, 2-month-old mixed-breed male lambs underwent hemiepiphyseal drilling and screw placement. Drilling occurred eccentrically (inferiorly) in an attempt to close only a portion of the growth plate. In 5 lambs, a sham surgery was performed in which the screw did not cross the proximal femoral physis. Growth was compared between groups and with the opposite hip in which no procedure was performed in both groups. Standardized radiographs were obtained preoperatively and monthly. A 3-dimensional computed tomography scan and standard histology were obtained postnecropsy. Version and neck shaft angle (NSA) was determined and recorded at the time of the index procedure with the aid of fluoroscopy. Radiographs were assessed by measurement of the NSA and the articular trochanteric distance (ATD). Results were compared by using the t test: paired 2 sample for means. The NSA and ATD were compared preoperatively and at a mean of 3.3 months after surgery. They were no significant differences preoperatively between the screw or sham group. Postoperatively, the NSA was 132 versus 143 (P=0.006) and the ATD -0.6 mm versus 10 mm (P=0.033) for the screw and sham hips, respectively. The sham group showed no statistical differences between the operative and nonoperative sides postoperatively, although the ATD trended toward a larger number on the "sham" side, possibly because of a growth stimulation effect. Screw hemiepiphysiodesis seems to alter the growth of the proximal femur in the lamb model. Further studies are ongoing and with more research this technique could be used to correct or prevent proximal femoral deformity in the growing child. Level II.

Thrust plate prosthesis for proximal femoral deformity: a series of 15 patients

Patients with coxarthrosis and proximal femoral deformity experience problems with total hip arthroplasty. A custom-made prosthesis or a proximal osteotomy is required for such cases, and these also increase the rate of complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the thrust plate prosthesis (TPP) in patients with deformity of the proximal femur. Fifteen patients (7 females, 8 males) with a mean age of 56.4 years (range 19-75 years) at the time of the surgery were included in the study. The etiology was traumatic coxarthrosis in 12, and nonunion of a femoral neck fracture with osteonecrosis of the femoral head in the remaining three. While the femoral component was a third-generation TPP in all patients, the acetabular component was a Protek expansion cup in 12, and a cementless standard cup in three patients. All operations were performed through a Hardinge approach. Patients were followed up for at least 3 years (range 36-116 months) and evaluated clinically with the Harris Hip Score. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score increased from 51.2 (range 15-79) to 92.7 (range 60-100) at the latest assessment. In two cases, loosening of the femoral component was observed in zone 3, both 12 months postoperatively. One was replaced by an intramedullary prosthesis, and the other was asymptomatic. TPP is a good alternative for patients with malformations of the proximal femur. The use of TPP avoids technical difficulties and a custom-made prosthesis.

Antegrade Intramedullary Nailing of Pediatric Femoral Fractures Using an Interlocking Pediatric Femoral Nail and a Lateral Trochanteric Entry Point

The treatment of femoral shaft fractures in older children and adolescents using rigid intramedullary (IM) nail fixation offers the advantages of decreased soft tissue stripping, low incidence of malalignment, leg length discrepancy, early ambulation, and decreased hospital stay. Recent reports have described the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in children after IM nailing through the piriformis fossa and the tip of the greater trochanter. Others have noted secondary proximal femoral valgus and femoral neck narrowing after antegrade IM nailing. Using the lateral aspect of the greater \trochanter as the starting point avoids the tenuous blood supply of the proximal femur and did not seem to produce avascular necrosis or proximal femoral deformity in early reports. A retrospective clinical and radiographic review of 78 children and adolescents with 80 femoral shaft fractures who underwent IM nail fixation through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter, with a mean follow-up of 99 weeks, was performed. Twenty-four fractures were observed until skeletal maturity. Final standing anteroposterior radiographs of both lower extremities were used to assess for evidence of osteonecrosis, limb length discrepancy, fracture alignment, and indices around the hips. All patients went on to union in good clinical alignment without loss of reduction. No nonunions, delayed unions, or malunions were observed. Two patients developed infections postoperatively (2.5%). No patient had evidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle, articulotrochanteric distance, or femoral diameter when compared with the nonsurgical, normal side in these patients. Intramedullary nail fixation through the lateral aspect of the greater trochanter in children and adolescents is effective. It does not produce clinically important femoral neck valgus or narrowing. We did not observe osteonecrosis of the femoral head. : Level IV, case series.

Proximal Focal Femoral Deficiency (PFFD): Management Options and Controversies

Proximal focal femoral deficiency (PFFD) is a rare congenital anomaly characterised by failure of normal development of the proximal femur and hip joint. Significant variability in the clinical presentation and degree of deficiency is common. Current management strategies aimed at improving functional ambulation are largely dependent on the degree of femoral shortening and the status of the hip and knee joint. Treatment of acetabular deficiency and proximal femoral deformity in cases of PFFD must be individualised. Reconstruction of the hip joint with pelvic and femoral osteotomies may be possible in mild cases of PFFD. Stability of the hip and knee joint must be achieved prior to consideration for limb lengthening strategies. Severe cases of PFFD may be beyond surgical correction and warrant alternative strategies such as rotationplasty or selective amputation to facilitate prosthetic fitting.

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Proximal Femoral Deformities and Retained Hardware

Primary total hip arthroplasty can become a challenge for the experienced surgeon in the setting of a deformed proximal femur or with retained hardware. Conditions can produce femoral deformities including fracture, previous surgery, developmental dysplasia, growth and metabolic diseases. Treatment must be individualized to address the level of the deformity, the type of deformity, and bone quality. Radiological evaluation addressing the full extent of the proximal femoral deformity is discussed. The proposed classification system uses the anatomic location of the deformity with sub classification into the geometry of the deformity whether torsional, angular, and translational in nature or from disproportion in size of the femoral anatomy. Treatment strategies are tailored according to the deformity or hardware retained in the proximal femur. The clinical success of the primary THA after proximal femoral procedures is negatively affected.

Surgical Dislocation in the Management of Pediatric and Adolescent Hip Deformity

The surgical dislocation approach is useful in assessing and treating proximal femoral hip deformities commonly due to pediatric conditions. We sought to demonstrate the efficacy and problems associated with this technique. Diagnoses included slipped capital femoral epiphysis, Perthes disease, developmental dysplasia of the hip, osteonecrosis, and exostoses. Through this approach, femoral head-neck osteoplasty (22), intertrochanteric osteotomy (eight), femoral head-neck osteoplasty plus intertrochanteric osteotomy (15), femoral neck osteotomy (five), open reduction and internal fixation of an acute slipped capital femoral epiphysis with callus resection (five), open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabular fracture (one), trapdoor procedure (one), and acetabular rim osteoplasty (one) were performed. The average patient age was 16 years. The minimum followup was 12 months (average, 41.6 months; range, 12-73 months). Patients with Perthes disease and SCFE had preoperative and postoperative WOMAC scores of 9.6 and 5.1, and 7.9 and 3.5 respectively. In patients with unstable SCFEs, the average postoperative WOMAC score was 1.2. Seven patients underwent THAs and two patients underwent hip fusion. Complications in the 58 procedures included four cases of osteonecrosis: three after femoral neck osteotomy and one after intertrochanteric osteotomy. The surgical dislocation technique can be utilized to effectively treat these deformities and improve short-term symptoms. Although the technique is demanding, we believe surgical dislocation offers sufficient advantages in assessing and treating these complex deformities that it justifies judicious application.

Metal-on-Metal Hip Resurfacing: Advantages and Disadvantages

Modern metal-on-metal resurfacing has recently gained popularity as an alternative to standard stemmed total hip arthroplasty. This study analyzed, from a literature review, the purported advantages and disadvantages of resurfacing with a comparison to standard hip arthroplasty. Advantages may include bone conservation on the femoral side with possible lower dislocation rates, more range-of-motion, more normal gait pattern, increased activity levels, increased ease of insertion with proximal femoral deformities or retained hardware, and straightforward revision. Possible disadvantages of resurfacing are increased difficulty to perform the procedure, increased acetabular bone stock loss, femoral neck fractures, and concerns about the effects of metal ions. Many of these issues will need further clarification by well-planned prospective studies and evaluation of longer-term outcomes.

Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty in the Presence of Extra-Articular Deformities or Implants

Hip resurfacing has been proposed as an alternative to total hip replacement in patients who have proximal femoral deformities or retained hardware in the proximal aspect of the femur. In these situations, placement of a conventional stemmed hip prosthesis would be difficult or impossible, possibly necessitating a complex osteotomy or a custom prosthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients who had extra-articular deformities of the proximal aspect of the femur and/or retained hardware and who were managed with a resurfacing hip prosthesis. Fifteen patients (seventeen hips) who underwent metal-on-metal resurfacing hip replacements were studied. Ten patients (twelve hips) had bowing or other deformities of the femur secondary to trauma, multiple epiphyseal dysplasia, renal osteodystrophy, or proximal femoral focal deficiency. Five patients (five hips) had retained hardware. Twelve of the patients (thirteen hips) had previously been told by orthopaedic surgeons that, due to the deformity or retained hardware, they could not undergo conventional total hip arthroplasty without also undergoing ancillary surgical procedures. We evaluated perioperative factors (operative time and estimated blood loss), Harris hip scores, complications, and failure rates. At a mean follow-up time of three years (range, two to five years), fourteen patients (sixteen hips) were doing well clinically and radiographically. Assessment of the intraoperative records revealed minimal difficulty, with a mean operative time of 104 minutes and a mean blood loss of 621 mL. The mean Harris hip score was 92 points. One patient, a fifty-nine-year-old woman, underwent two subsequent revisions-one for the treatment of a femoral neck fracture, and one for the treatment of acetabular component loosening. Resurfacing hip arthroplasty offers an option for patients when placement of a conventional total hip prosthesis is difficult or impossible because of the presence of proximal femoral deformities or retained hardware in or on the proximal aspect of the femur.

Clinical Application of Rapid Prototype Model in Pediatric Proximal Femoral Corrective Osteotomy

Proximal femoral deformities can occur in children as sequelae of several disorders such as hip joint infection or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Early surgical correction of deformities promises a good result; however, limited exposure of the surgical field often creates difficulties for surgeons. Application of a rapid prototyping model for proximal femoral corrective osteotomy in children serves not only as a guide for surgical planning but also as a communication tool between physicians and patients.

Transtrochanteric approach to the hip

Once routinely used, trochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty now is usually limited to difficult primary and revision cases. Many variations of the osteotomy and many various techniques for the trochanter reattachment have been described. Our specific surgical technique is presented as well as its advantages and drawbacks. Primary total hip arthroplasty procedures requiring the enhanced exposure provided by trochanteric osteotomy is needed in patients with hip ankylosis or fusion, protrusio acetabuli, proximal femoral deformities, developmental dysplasia, or abductor muscle laxity. Trochanteric osteotomy, in revision arthroplasties, facilitates the removal of well-fixed femoral components and enhance acetabular exposure. In all cases trochanteric osteotomy remains useful to preserve the periarticular muscles and restore the geometry of the artificial hip which are the best ways to prevent dislocation.

Periacetabular Osteotomy for the Treatment of Acetabular Dysplasia Associated with Major Aspherical Femoral Head Deformities

Acetabular dysplasia associated with deformity of the proximal part of the femur can result in hip dysfunction and degenerative arthritis in young adults. The optimal method of surgical correction for these challenging combined deformities remains controversial. We retrospectively analyzed twenty-four hips in twenty patients who underwent a Bernese periacetabular osteotomy, which was done with a proximal femoral valgus-producing osteotomy in thirteen hips, for the treatment of acetabular dysplasia associated with proximal femoral structural abnormalities. The average age of the patients at the time of surgery was 22.7 years, and the average duration of clinical follow-up was 4.5 years. The Harris hip score and overall patient satisfaction with surgery were used to assess hip function and clinical results. Plain radiographs were used to assess the correction of the deformity, healing of the osteotomy, and progression of degenerative arthritis. The mean Harris hip score increased from 68.8 points preoperatively to 91.3 points at the time of the most recent follow-up (p<0.0001). Sixteen patients (nineteen hips) had an excellent clinical result, and one patient (one hip) had a good result. Two patients (two hips) had a fair result, and one patient (two hips) had a poor result. Twenty-two of the twenty-four hips improved clinically. There was an average improvement of 27.6 degrees in the lateral center-edge angle of Wiberg (p<0.0001), an average improvement of 33.1 degrees in the anterior center-edge angle of Lequesne and de Seze (p<0.0001), and an average improvement of 16.5 degrees in the acetabular roof obliquity (p<0.0001). The hip center was translated medially an average of 6.3 mm (p=0.0003). The Tönnis osteoarthritis grade was unchanged in twenty hips, progressed one grade in three hips, and progressed two grades in one hip. There were three major technical complications. At the time of the most recent follow-up, none of the hips had required total hip arthroplasty. The combination of acetabular dysplasia and proximal femoral deformities presents a complex reconstructive problem. The range of motion and radiographic assessment of the hip are major factors in the selection of patients for surgery. In selected patients, the periacetabular osteotomy combined with concurrent femoral procedures, when indicated, can provide comprehensive deformity correction and improved hip function.

Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Modular S-ROM Prosthesis Combined with Corrective Proximal Femoral Osteotomy

We present the results of total hip arthroplasty using S-ROM (Depuy, Warsaw, Ind) prosthesis combined with corrective femoral transverse osteotomy for hips with proximal femoral deformity. Fourteen hips were followed up for a mean of 61 months (range, 36-95 months), with a mean age at surgery of 55 years (range, 44-69 years). The average intraoperative blood loss was 638 mL, and the average operative time was 136 minutes. The average Harris Hip Score increased from 38.0 (range, 15.0-55.7) preoperatively to 82.0 (range, 34.6-92.7) at the latest follow-up. All the hips except for 1 acquired union of osteotomy and bone ingrowth. S-ROM modular stem, which gives sufficient rotational stability at both proximal and distal parts of the osteotomy, is useful for total hip arthroplasty combined with corrective femoral transverse osteotomy.

Femoral Perforation Complicating Contemporary Uncemented Hip Arthroplasty

This case series reports on 4 patients in whom intraoperative penetration of the femoral cortex occurred and went unrecognized on routine postoperative radiographs. This case series highlights some important points. Femoral cortex penetration can and does occur with uncemented hip arthroplasty and is likely to occur when surgical exposure is difficult and inadequate (such as in patients with severe obesity) or some form of proximal femoral deformity exists (such as patients with achondroplasia). Extra diligence should be exercised to avoid this complication in the high-risk patients, and adequate 2-plain radiographs may need to be ordered intraoperatively if such complication is suspected.

Evaluation and treatment of young adults with femoro-acetabular impingement secondary to Perthes disease

Hip pain and loss of motion in young adults with previous Legg-Calve-Perthes-Disease may be caused by anterior femoro-acetabular impingement. Eleven patients (12 hips) with the chief complaint of groin pain and significant proximal femoral deformity were treated. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance arthrography in ten patients indicated labral injury and adjacent acetabular cartilage lesions in nine hips. A surgical dislocation of each hip confirmed that there was impingement induced intra-articular injury consistent with the pathology indicated on the MRI. Reshaping of the femoral head, with correction of the femoral head/neck offset, and treatment of the acetabular rim pathology was performed for each hip in conjunction with other procedures for the proximal femur. Correction of the impingement and increased range of motion could be visualized intra-operatively. At a mean follow-up of 33 months, half of all patients were pain-free and all had improvement in pain compared with preoperatively. Ten patients had an improved range of motion and two a slight decrease. No additional necrosis following the dislocation of the femoral head was seen.;

Evaluation and Treatment of Young Adults with Femoro-Acetabular Impingement Secondary to Perthes' Disease

Hip pain and loss of motion in young adults with previous Legg-Calve-Perthes-Disease may be caused by anterior femoro-acetabular impingement. Eleven patients (12 hips) with the chief complaint of groin pain and significant proximal femoral deformity were treated. Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance arthrography in ten patients indicated labral injury and adjacent acetabular cartilage lesions in nine hips. A surgical dislocation of each hip confirmed that there was impingement induced intra-articular injury consistent with the pathology indicated on the MRI. Reshaping of the femoral head, with correction of the femoral head/neck offset, and treatment of the acetabular rim pathology was performed for each hip in conjunction with other procedures for the proximal femur. Correction of the impingement and increased range of motion could be visualized intra-operatively. At a mean follow-up of 33 months, half of all patients were pain-free and all had improvement in pain compared with preoperatively. Ten patients had an improved range of motion and two a slight decrease. No additional necrosis following the dislocation of the femoral head was seen.;

What Would You Do?: Case Challenges in Hip Surgery

Evaluation and management of 4 challenging hip case scenarios were discussed in an interactive session with a moderator and 5 experts in hip reconstruction. Case-based discussion included total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis after acetabular fracture, total hip arthroplasty after failed intertrochanteric hip fracture, total hip arthroplasty for hip dysplasia, and total hip arthroplasty in the case of proximal femoral deformity.

Proximal Femoral Deformity: Bent but Not Broken

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) in proximal femoral deformity represents a relatively uncommon challenge. Proximal femoral deformity is classified depending on the etiology and location and geometry of the deformity. Classification by etiology includes developmental processes, previous trauma, or previous surgery (osteotomy or THA). The latter, previous surgery, is the most common cause of femoral deformity.

Extended trochanteric osteotomy via the direct lateral approach in revision hip arthroplasty.

A review of the results of the extended trochanteric osteotomy through a modified direct lateral approach in revision total hip arthroplasty was done. We reviewed 44 patients (45 procedures) at a minimum of 2 years followup (mean, 3.8 years; range, 2.1-7.2 years). There were 26 men and 18 women with a mean age at the time of surgery of 70.8 years (range, 36.9-90.4 years). Indications for use of the trochanteric osteotomy included facilitation of cement removal (25 procedures), proximal femoral varus deformity (14 procedures), trochanteric malposition (five procedures), and previous trochanteric osteotomies with significant bony overgrowth (three procedures). The mean length of the osteotomy was 133.9 mm. The mean migration of the osteotomized fragment was 2.1 mm (range, 0-20 mm) with significantly more proximal migration seen with the use of cerclage wires when compared with cables. There were two cases of trochanteric escape, for which the patients required repeat open reduction internal fixation. There were two late fractures of the greater trochanter. One femoral component had early subsidence for which the patient required re-revision with a further extended trochanteric osteotomy. The mean time to union of the remaining 40 hips was 10.3 months (range, 6-24 months). There only was one dislocation postoperatively. The extended trochanteric osteotomy through the modified direct lateral approach in revision total hip arthroplasty is a reproducible and reliable technique with a lower dislocation rate but a higher incidence of trochanteric fracture and escape than previously described with its use in the posterior approach.

Trochanteric osteotomy and fixation during total hip arthroplasty.

Once used routinely, trochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty now is usually limited to difficult primary and revision cases. There are three types: the standard trochanteric osteotomy and its variations, the trochanteric slide, and the extended trochanteric osteotomy. Each has unique indications, fixation techniques, and complications. Primary total hip arthroplasty procedures requiring the enhanced exposure provided by trochanteric osteotomy may be needed in patients with hip ankylosis or fusion, protrusio acetabuli, proximal femoral deformities, developmental dysplasia, or abductor muscle laxity. Trochanteric osteotomies in revision arthroplasties, primarily the extended trochanteric osteotomy, facilitate the removal of well-fixed femoral components, provide direct access to the diaphysis for distal fixation, and enhance acetabular exposure.