[Intertrochanteric osteotomies. A critical study of the clinical radiologic evaluation]

The authors describe the technique that they have used in approximately 500 intertrochanteric osteotomies of the femur. The technique was satisfactory in the production of bony union but in ten per cent of cases there were errors of correction of 5 degrees or more. An analysis of errors related to the radiological technique used showed that a number of conditions (flexion, abduction) modify the angles of inclination and anteversion. A number of instances of degenerative arthritis had been incorrectly attributed to increased coxa valga. An analysis is made of the difficulties encountered when correction is required in two planes, especially when there is fixed flexion or significant anteversion. Some suggestions are made concerning improvements in technique.