Thompson Arthrodesis of the hip in children

Between 1966 and 1975, we performed a fusion of the hip by the Thompson method in fifteen children with non-tuberculous, non-paralytic conditions. An attempt was made to position the hip in 30 degrees of flexion, neutral rotation, and neutral abduction. Fourteen patients were followed for an average of 4.5 years (range, one to ten years) postoperatively. A fibrous pseudarthrosis developed in one patient. The remainder had solid arthrodeses. None had delayed union. At follow-up, all patients were free of pain and had returned to normal activities. There was no significant increase in adduction with growth.