Soft tissue release of the hip in juvenile chronic arthritis

Adductor and/or subspinal tenotomies were performed on 17 patients (25 hips) with longstanding juvenile chronic arthritis and hip disability. The flexion contracture decreased after surgery from 28 to 18 degrees but had increased to the preoperative level by an average follow-up time of 48 months. The adductor contractures followed the same pattern. All but 3 of the patients were dissatisfied with the relatively small gain and the short-lasting effect of the operation. Knee contractures and insufficient release are probably some of the reasons for the poor results. A more extensive release is recommended and in the case of hip pain combined with synovectomy.