Hip resurfacing following previous proximal femoral osteotomy

Until recently, the options for patients with a degenerative hip and a previous femoral osteotomy included arthrodesis, total hip arthroplasty with osteotomy or CADCAM total hip arthroplasty. Technological improvements have allowed the reintroduction of hip resurfacing. We report the results of hip resurfacing in four patients with previous valgus or extension proximal femoral osteotomies. Patients were assessed for pre and post-operative pain, walking distance and range of movement. All patients had an abnormal angulation, of the femoral neck, of 30 degrees or more in either coronal or sagittal plane. They are within the severe group of disordered proximal femoral anatomy according to Harris et al. The mean age at operation was 32 years (range 30 - 34). The mean follow-up was 3 years (range 1 - 8). Postoperatively no patient required analgesia and all patients had a minimum uninterrupted walking ability of 30 or more minutes with the exception of the patient who had undergone previous leg lengthening. We recommend this comparatively straightforward operation compared to current alternatives. (Hip International 2005; 15: 119-22).