The results of surgical treatment for Perthes' disease

We report the clinical and radiological results following intertrochanteric varus osteotomy and Chiari pelvic osteotomy for Perthes' disease in 70 hips with a minimum follow-up of 3 years. The indication depended on lateralization of the epiphysis of the femoral head with or without full containment in the abduction radiograph, thickening of the acetabular floor, coxa magna, and osteoarthritis. Epiphyseal quotient and sphericity showed that head deformity is mostly permanent; the acetabulum-head quotient provided good coverage. Operation in the condensation stage achieved far better results than later operations. From these and other results, the late and mild occurrence of osteoarthritis can be assumed despite deformed femoral head or acetabulum, with full coverage provided.