[Valgus osteotomies preceding total endoprosthesis]

A progress report is presented in this paper on 172 follow-up checks of cases with valgus osteotomy of the hip. Patients aged between 25 and 45 years with advanced coxarthrosis and severe deformations of the hip joint were predominant on the list. Valgus osteotomy, using surgical techniques according to Pauwels and Bombelli, proved successful under these conditions in 85 per cent of all cases. Those good results were reflected in lasting reduction of pain and maintenance of adequate articular functionality. Bridging of the time gap up to endoprosthetic replacement at age levels of 50 or 60 years has been considered another benefit of the method. There were no severe complications. The failure rate was clearly increased among patients with overweight.