[Long-term results of the Salter pelvic osteotomy]

We report the long-term results obtained with Salter's innominate osteotomy over an average follow-up time of 24 years. In 8 of 9 hips the innominate osteotomy was combined with an intertrochanteric femoral osteotomy. On average the acetabular angle was improved by 12 degrees. By 11 years post-operatively the acetabular angle had stabilized at a mean of 16 degrees, subsequently remaining the same through the follow-up period. The centre angle was improved by approximately 20 degrees. By 8 years post-operatively it was in the normal range around 27 degrees, remaining unchanged until the most recent follow-up examination. Among the 9 patients who were followed up there was only one mild deformity of the femoral head. We recommend Salter's innominate osteotomy for the treatment of dysplastic acetabulae with an acetabular angle of not much more than 40 degrees, for patients 2-4 years of age, and occasionally up to the age of 6.