[Salter innominate osteotomy : Indications, surgical technique, results]

The prevalence of congenital hip dysplasia in Germany is 2-4 % and that of hip dislocation is 0.5-1 %. If early therapy is not successful or the hip dysplasia or dislocation is diagnosed too late (children of over 1 year of age) surgical treatment is indicated to increase the femoral coverage. The innominate osteotomy, published by Robert B. Salter 1961, is a worldwide established technique to improve the lateral and ventral coverage of the femoral head in primary or secondary hip dysplasia or dislocation. In this paper we discuss Salter's technique and present indications, the perioperative procedure, operative modifications and operative extensions and demonstrate the anatomical requirements, postoperative biomechanical changes and long-term results.