Radiographic comparison of adductor procedures in cerebral palsied hips

Hip muscle imbalance in cerebral palsy may cause subluxation or dislocation. Pelvic radiographs were used to assess hip stability in 40 affected hips before and after open adductor surgery. Preoperative rates of hip migration were determined from radiographs using the center-edge angle and migration percentage. Either an open adductor tenotomy with partial obturator neurectomy or a posterior adductor transfer was performed. Follow-up averaged 5 years, with a reversal of preoperative lateral hip migration in 36 of 40 hips. There was no statistically significant difference in the radiographic outcome of the two procedures. Lateral hip migration can be arrested or reversed with properly timed hip adductor surgery.