[Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (Ganz procedure). First experience]

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), treated either conservatively or surgically, may result in a dysplastic acetabulum. To treat this after bone maturation is completed, Bernese periacetabular osteotomy, also known as the Ganz procedure, has recently been used as the method of choice at our department. The evaluation of the first results is presented here.

The group evaluated comprised 25 hips (21 female and 4 male) in 22 patients. Nineteen hips were treated for residual dysplasia of the acetabulum due to DDH, and six for a spastic hip. The average age was 26 years (range, 12 to 44) and 14 right and 11 left hips were involved On pre- and post-operative radiographs the AC index, Wiberg lateral CE angle, Wagner index, improvement in Shenton's line, and lateralisation and anteversion of the acetabulum were compared. Bernese periacetabular osteotomy is an extensive surgical procedure requiring special instrumentation. It may be associated with serious complications and has a relatively long learning curve.

The average follow-up was 18 months (range, 2 to 36). The average duration of surgery was 2 hours and 44 min (range, 2 to 31/ 2 h). The average values improved in the AC index by 24 degrees, lateral CE angle by 29 degrees and Wagner index by 18 %. Shenton's line was corrected by surgery in 20 hips and lateral migration in 16 hips. In two hips lateralisation did not changed. Two serious complications were recorded: para-articular ossification requiring excision and concomitant acetabular trimming, and great intra-operative blood loss.

Various mechanisms of damage to the hip are discussed and the methods of treatment outlined, together with prerequisites for successful surgery. Potential complications and their treatment are mentioned.

Bernese periacetabular osteotomy makes the range of roofing procedures for hip joint treatment wider. These, as well as hip joint reduction techniques, should be performed in major specialized centres.