Three-dimensionally corrective external fixator system for proximal femoral osteotomy

The authors introduce a technique of proximal femoral osteotomy using three-dimensionally corrective external fixator systems for treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and slipped capital femoral epiphysis, and describe the results of 47 hips in 44 children. Postoperative casting immobilization was not performed. All osteotomies gained the correction angle as planned. All osteotomies healed with no nonunions, malunions, device failures, or avascular necrosis. Complications occurred in 7 (15%) of 47 hips. Pin tract infection occurred in six (13%) hips; one of these (2%) needed debridement. The bulky external fixator caused slight inconvenience, but the current results indicate that the proximal femoral osteotomy using the external fixator system provided an easily repeatable intraoperative varus/valgus and flexion/extension correction compared with other internal fixation devices, and sufficient fixation for children without significant complications.