RESUMO
This study was carried out to evaluate the early results of subtrochanteric derotation and varus osteotomy, in treatment of Perthes' disease. Sixteen patients were involved in this study; 13 males and 3 females. Their ages ranged between 6 to 11 years [average 8. 1 years]. Duration of symptoms since onest ranged from 5 to 12 months. Preoperative clinical and radiographic assessment was done for each case. The operative technique followed was that of Muller et al. [1979]. Postoperatively, and after union of the osteotomy, the patient was allowed to walk first with partial weight-bearing and then full weight bearing was allowed. Average follow up period was 28.5 months [range from 24 months to 38 months]. Results were evaluated by using the criterie of Catterall [1971]. The results were good in 50%, fair in 25% and poor in 25% of cases. The study showed that the results were affected by many factors. Incidence of good results decreased in direct propotion to the extent of head involvement. Children aged 8 years or below gave good results and those above 9 years gave poor results. The age factor was found highly significant. Results were also affected by the duration of symptoms. Duration of 7.1 months on the average was compatible with good results and that of 11 months on tile average gave fair and poor results. The results were also affected by the amount of the induced varus and this factor was statistically significant. Follow up of the patients after osteotomy showed improvement in leg length discrepancy by 0, 9 cm on the average if compared to that was present preoperatively. The recovery from the induced varus was recorded in all cases. From the results it is concluded that femoral osteotomy is a satisfactory method for treatment of Perthes' disease