FixclipsTM - biological internal fixator for upper femoral osteotomies in cerebral palsy

We describe the technique and results of 63 proximal femoral osteotomies in 39 cerebral palsy patients performed with the Fixclip (Corifix, Cirencester, UK) internal fixator system. Post-operative splintage was determined by soft tissue requirements and not to protect the femoral osteotomy. Three patients needed revision surgery for readjustment of the device and two patients had superficial infections. All osteotomies except one healed by 12-16 weeks. There were no mal-unions, or avascular necrosis. One patient had a non-union that united after revision surgery. The Fixclip system is modular and easily adjustable. The fixation, sitting just off the bone, is less disturbing to the periosteal blood supply and lateralises the fixation, like a wave plate, to load both the medial and lateral femoral cortices on weight-bearing. Compared to the other available fixation implants, Fixclips are biologically and mechanically very effective and well suited in cerebral palsy patients where rigid fixation with a plate can cause extensive loss of bone mass. (Hip International 2002; 12: 314-9).