Salter innominate osteotomy in the treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease [L.C.P.D]. A short follow-up study

ABSTRACT

The Goal of any surgeon treating L.C.P.D. is to improve upon the natural history of the disease. Containment whether surgical or non-surgical has evolved as an effective line of treatment in achieving such goal. Salter's innominate osteotomy improves containment by redirecting the acetabulum such that the soft plastic femoral head is protected within the solid confines of the acetabulum in the weight bearing position. Eventually when healing is over, a round non-deformed head is the likely result. This is a report on the short-term results of salter's innominate osteotomy [done in conjunction with full adductor myotomy and iliopsoas recession] performed at the new children hopital of Cairo University. The material of this study included 25 patients with L.C.P.D. [21 males 4 females] who were treated at an average age of 7.6 years [range 6.5 y-12y]. All patients had total involvement of the femoral head with or without head at risk signs. The period of follow-up averaged 30 months [range 24-54 months]. Assessment both clinically and radiologically [using Stulberg classification] was done at the final follow-up there were 19 satisfactory hips [Stulberg class 1 and 2]. We conclude that Salter's innominate osteotomy is an effective procedure in achieving containment in L.C.P.D. and hence bettering the natural history of the disease provided some pitfalls are avoided