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Published on: May 26, 2023
Simulation of pelvic osteotomies applied for DDH treatment in pediatric patients using piglet models
Vasyl Suvorov1, Viktor Filipchuk1, Vadym Mazevich2
1Department of Joint Diseases in Children and Adolescents, The Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics of the NAMS Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine.
Insights
Piglet studies reveal that age impacts hinge points during pelvic osteotomies for hip dysplasia. Younger piglets show fewer bone changes, while older ones exhibit fractures, guiding safer surgical practices.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Biomechanical analysis
Background:
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common pediatric orthopedic condition.
- Pelvic osteotomies (Salter, Dega, Pemberton) are standard treatments for DDH in young children.
- Hinge point locations during osteotomies are debated, impacting surgical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hinge point locations during simulated pelvic osteotomies using biological models.
- To assess the influence of age on bone and cartilage plasticity during these procedures.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 18 piglet pelvis complexes, categorized by age.
- Simulated Salter, Dega, and Pemberton osteotomies.
- Analyzed bone changes using computed tomography (CT) scans post-simulation.
Main Results:
- Salter osteotomy: No changes in young piglets; pubic bone fractures in older piglets.
- Pemberton osteotomy: Greenstick fractures in younger and older piglets' iliac and pubic bones.
- Dega osteotomy: Posterior medial cortical fracture in all piglets; additional pubic bone hinge point in older piglets.
Conclusions:
- Piglet age significantly affects hinge point number and location.
- Age-related decreases in bone and cartilage plasticity explain these variations.
- Findings can help surgeons minimize preventable complications during pelvic osteotomies.
Background:
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a common hip joint pathology seen in the pediatric orthopedist's practice. Pelvic osteotomies are the reliable surgical option for DDH treatment in walking patients, and 3 osteotomies (Salter, Dega and Pemberton) are widely used in patients under 6 years of age. Plastic changes in hinge points occur during iliac fragment movement, after the performed osteotomy. The locations of these points are described in the literature, but some debate still exists about their true positions.
Objectives:
To reveal hinge point locations during a simulation of pelvic osteotomies on biological models.
Material And Methods:
Eighteen piglet pelvis complexes were obtained and separated according to their age. Pelvic osteotomies were simulated, and bone changes were assessed on computed tomography (CT) scans after the performed surgeries.
Results:
No bone changes were found after Salter osteotomy in younger piglets, while contralateral pubic bone metaphyseal fractures were found in older animals. After Pemberton osteotomy, greenstick fractures in iliac and pubic bones metaphyses in the triradiate cartilage area were revealed in younger and older piglets. After Dega osteotomy, a posterior medial cortical layer fracture of the uncut iliac bone in the greater sciatic notch was found in all piglets. In older piglets, an additional hinge point was detected in the ipsilateral pubic bone metaphysis.
Conclusion:
It was found that the age of the piglets has an impact on hinge point number and location, and this may be explained by an age-related decrease in pelvic bone and cartilage plasticity. The results of this study may help surgeons to decrease the number of preventable complications during pelvic osteotomies.

