Technique and long-term results of acetabuloplasty

Acetabuloplasty with lateral osteotomy of the pelvis in combination with intertrochanteric derotation-varus osteotomy was performed in our hospital between 1970 and 1976. Ninety hip joints have been reexamined recently after cessation of growth. Measurements of the acetabula show normal results in more than 80% of the cases. Measurements of the femoral neck and head, however, were normal in many fewer cases. Revalgization to a "head-in-neck position" or "subcapital coxa valga" was found in 40% of the joints, while the position of the acetabuloplasty remained without significant change if the technique was correct. Additional varus osteotomy was no longer performed after 1978 with consequent improvement in the results of acetabuloplasty.