Epiphyseodesis of the great trochanter

The authors report 9 cases of congenital or acquired coxa vara due to abnormalities of the epiphyseal growth cartilage, treated by epiphyseodesis of the great trochanter. The operations were performed on children between the ages of 4 and 8 years. The follow-up was a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 1/2 years. A constant correlation was established between a negative preoperative A.T.D. index (height between tip of trochanter and roof of acetabulum) and a Trendelenburg gait. Both these parameters were markedly improved after operation. The conditions treated comprised congenital coxa vara, osteochondrosis following reduction in C.D.H., septic arthritis and Perthes disease type 3.