The Ilizarov hip reconstruction osteotomy for hip dislocation: outcome after 4-7 years in 14 young patients

Treatment of neglected high dislocation of the hip is difficult in adults. We performed hip reconstruction osteotomy, consisting of a proximal abduction and extension osteotomy, and a distal varisation and lengthening osteotomy, utilizing the Ilizarov external fixator in 14 (12 women) patients having a mean age of 20 (12-33) years. The most frequent preoperative complaints were pain, leg-length discrepancy, limping, reduced activity and limited abduction of the hip. After an average follow-up of 68 (55-81) months, the outcome was satisfactory; pain subsided in all patients, the Trendelenburg sign became negative in all but 3 patients, no patient had limb-length discrepancy, and alignment of the extremity was reestablished. However, 3 patients still complained of lurch.