Abstract

The authors describe a modified double chevron subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy combined with cementless total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type-IV hip dysplasia. Shortening the femur allows to relax the shortened musculature. This operation was performed in 18 patients (22 hips) between January 2000 and February 2006. The mean follow-up period was 5.6 years (range : 3 to 8 years). The mean amount of femoral subtrochanteric shortening was 38 mm (range : 25 to 60 mm). The mean Harris hip score improved from 47 (range : 35 to 65) preoperatively to 88 points (range : 75 to 97) at final follow-up. The Trendelenburg sign was corrected from positive to negative in 12 of 22 hips. No acetabular or femoral components loosened or required revision during the follow-up period. All osteotomy sites healed in 3 to 6 months without complications. Cementless total hip arthroplasty using the modified double chevron subtrochanteric osteotomy provided good short- to midterm results in all 22 Crowe type-IV hip dislocations.Moreover, it restored the anatomic hip center and the limb length, which contributed to correction of the preoperative limp.