Purpose

To investigate the effect of soft tissue release (STR) and the length of postoperative immobilisation on the long term outcomes of closed reduction (CR) of the hip for developmental dysplasia of the hip.

Introduction: The Ilizarov external fixator has theoretical advantages over conventional revision surgery for the treatment of recurrent clubfoot deformity. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of such treatment.

Materials & Methods: Patients were reviewed clinically and completed extensive questionnaires documenting pain, function and satisfaction before and after the frame at a mean follow-up of 44 months (range 14–131). All patient notes and radiographs were reviewed.

Results: There were 42 frames applied to 40 feet in 31 patients. Deformity was idiopathic in 29 cases. Pain and function scores after treatment improved in 67% and 72% of cases respectively. A subjective increase in stiffness was noted in 46%. Patient satisfaction with outcome was 61%. Pain and function scores were not significantly different in stiff versus non-stiff feet. The overall recurrence rate was 44%; these feet had been treated with the Ilizarov fixator at a younger mean age (7.8 years) than those feet which did not recur (12.6 years). Recurrence was highest in the idiopathic group (59%) compared with the constriction band group (17%) and the neuromuscular/syndromic group (0%), despite the fact that the idiopathic group were older overall. 71% of recurrences experienced significant pain post treatment, compared with only 36% of non-recurrent feet. Functional ability was, however, similar in the two groups. Further surgical treatment has currently been necessary in 6 patients, including 4 repeat Ilizarov frames. Complications included almost universal minor pin-site infections, flexion contractures of the toes in 5 feet and skin ulceration in 2 feet, 1 requiring a muscle flap.

Conclusions: Treatment of the relapsed clubfoot with the Ilizarov fixator can improve the appearance of the foot, correlating with improvement in pain and function. Risks include recurrence, particularly in young, idiopathic feet, an increase in stiffness of the ankle, which has implications for future surgery, and other complications.

Introduction: The management of severe slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) is controversial. Many types of operation have been advocated. The cuneiform osteotomy offers the potential to restore normal anatomy and hence reduce the development of osteoarthritis, but it is not without its risks. This aim of this study was to quantify the long-term clinical & radiological results of Fish’s cuneiform osteotomy at skeletal maturity.

Method: Twenty-seven patients underwent a cuneiform osteotomy between 1990 – 2003. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Therefore 25 hips in 24 patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 8 years and 3 months. The mean slip angle was 77 ± 13 degrees and all were categorized as unstable. Sex distribution was equal and the average age at follow-up was 21.5 years (range 14 – 31 years). The Iowa hip-rating, Harris Hip Score and radiographic classification of degenerative joint disease according to Boyer et al.,¹ were determined at follow-up.

Results: The mean Iowa hip-rating at follow-up was 93.7 ± 7.7 with a mean range of motion score of 8.1 ± 1.8. The Harris Hip Score was 95.6 ± 5.9. Nineteen patients were classified as Grade 0 on Boyer’s radiographic assessment, four Grade 1 and two Grade 2. Correction to neutral ± 10 degrees was achieved in all patients. The rate of avascular necrosis was 12 % and chondrolysis 16 %.

Discussion: Cuneiform osteotomy for severe SUFE is a valid treatment option and complication rates were no higher than other operative interventions reported in the literature. Patients enjoyed an excellent range of motion and were extremely satisfied with the outcome. The restoration of anatomy equates to better function and possibly the delay in onset of osteoarthritis.

Introduction and Aims: Recurrence of clubfoot deformity occurs in up to 25% of cases following surgery. The Ilizarov fixator has theoretical advantages over conventional revision surgery in feet with scarred tissue planes, abnormal anatomy and impairment of local blood supply. In addition, limb-length discrepancy can be addressed simultaneously.

The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of treatment of recurrent clubfoot deformity using the Ilizarov frame.

Method: There were 39 feet in 31 patients with at least 12 months follow-up. All patients completed questionnaires documenting pain, function and shoe-size before and after the frame. Twenty-six feet were reviewed clinically. Patient notes and radiographs of all patients were examined. The average period of follow-up was 48 months (14–131 months).

Results: Pain scores improved in 69%, with similar improvement in activity level, walking distance and walking surface. In 20 feet there was improvement in the type of shoes worn. Twenty patients felt their feet were stiffer after the frame. Patient satisfaction with outcome was 74%. A plantigrade foot was achieved initially in all, but deteriorated with time, so that at clinical review only 46% had plantigrade feet. A straight medial border was seen in 81%. The range of movement of ankle and sub-talar joints decreased after the frame. Recurrent deformity was present in 38%, being more likely in younger patients, but in only a few, has further surgery been necessary to date. Complications included minor pin-site infections, flexion contractures of the toes, revision of the frame and revision of one osteotomy.

Conclusion: Treatment of relapsed clubfoot with the Ilizarov frame improves the appearance of the foot, correlating with improvement in pain, function and shoewear. This must be balanced against an increase in stiffness of the ankle, which has implications for future surgery, and the risk of complications inherent in the technique.

37 patients (38 hips) underwent sub-capital osteotomy for slipped upper femoral epiphysis (SUFE) between 1980 and 1999. All slips were severe, and 28 (74%) were unstable. Patients were followed-up at a mean 6. 9 years (range 2. 2–20 years) to identify the relationship between the timing of surgery and complications.

Stable slips underwent urgent elective operations. Unstable slips, admitted as emergencies, were operated upon following two different protocols. 17 cases underwent the Dunn procedure on the next available list at a mean 1. 7 days after admission. 21 cases underwent the Fish procedure after a mean 22. 2 days of bedrest on “slings and springs”.

Of 23 patients (24 hips) who suffered no complications and for whom on Iowa Flip Score was available, the means score was 96. 5 (range 91–100). There were 6 cases of Avascular Nervosis (AVN) (16%), all occurring after unstable slips, and 4 cases of chondrolysis (10%).

Amongst unstable slips, shorter periods of pre-operative bedrest were associated with a higher incidence of avascular necrosis (AVN) (p< 0. 025). Direct comparison of the two surgical procedures showed no statistically significance difference in the incidence of AVN.

Sub-capital osteotomy is valid treatment for severe SUFE. More than 20 days of pre-operative bedrest decreased the incidence of AVN in unstable SUFE