ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the application value of hip joint traction device in treating serious developmental dysplasia of the hip. Methods From April 2006 to October 2008, 6 cases Crowe Ⅳ hip dysplasia and 1 case dysplasia of acetabulum in coxa vara underwent arthroplasty. There were 2 males and 5 females with an average age of 30 years (range, 12-45). All patients were admitted to the hospital for the distraction, which was 1.0-2.0 cm on the first day and 1 mm/d thereafter, until slowly pulling femur head to the real acetabulum. Changing to the skin distraction with 3 kg, arthroplasty was performed after pin sites healing. Results Seven femur heads of 5 cases and two greater trochanters of 1 case were pulled into the real acetabulum, average distraction length was 4.45 cm, and average time was 43 d, no nerve injury and infection of pin sites. Soft tissue release and femur shortening were not required in arthroplasty. One case accelerated pulling speed to 1.25 mm/d when left femur head was distracted to 6.0 cm, so that the partial left deep peroneal nerve injury happened after 12 h. Ending distraction, bilateral THA was undergone by stages and femur shortening 3 cm in operation, nerve injury restored after half year. All patients were followed up for average 2.5 years (range, 1.5-3.0). In all patients, two limb lengths were equal, middle gluteal muscle myodynamia improved about 1-2 grades. The mean Harris hip score improved from 56.2 to 92.2 one year after operation. Conclusion The hip joint traction device could pulled femoral head to the real acetabulum rotating center, as a result, femur shortening and soft tissue release were not required while performing arthroplasty, and through which wound and operative time were decreased, middle gluteal muscle function was improved. However, we should strictly pulled the femur head at 1 mm/d to avoid nerve injury.