Sequelae of pediatric hip disorders: survey responses from experts in adult hip reconstruction

Questions persist concerning the incidence of total hip arthroplasties (THAs) attributable to secondary osteoarthrosis and the impact of corrective pediatric hip surgeries and retained internal fixation on subsequent THAs. Hip reconstruction fellowship directors (N = 72) were mailed a survey of multiple-choice questions about pediatric hip disorders (PHDs) in their THA populations, the influence of hip osteotomies on subsequent THAs, and the recommendation to routinely remove pediatric hip internal fixation. Forty-five surgeons (62.5%) responded. The majority reported that a small proportion of hip arthrosis in their practice was attributable to PHDs (10-30 cases per 100-200 annual cases). Fifty-seven percent indicated that hip surgery performed during skeletal immaturity made THA more difficult. Twenty-eight surgeons (62% of respondents) said that they remove implants from fewer than 10% of cases with previous pediatric surgery. Sixty-eight percent felt that removal of pediatric hip implants, particularly those in the proximal femur (83% of respondents), should be routine. Survey results showed that the majority of experts in adult hip reconstruction (a) do not identify PHDs as a significant factor in most of their patients with end-stage hip arthrosis and (b) believe in routine removal of pediatric hip implants, particularly those in the proximal femur. The impact of performing corrective hip surgery during skeletal immaturity--whether such surgery increases the difficulty of or diminishes the effectiveness of subsequent THA--remains controversial.