Hip reconstruction for femoral head loss from septic arthritis in children. A preliminary report

Seven children (8 hips) with Choi's Type IV-B sequelae of septic arthritis of the hip underwent an unconventional reconstruction technique using a vascular-pedicled iliac crest graft to replace the destroyed femoral head and neck. The average age at surgery was 3.5 years, and the mean followup 7 years. Graft incorporation was observed in all patients; however, severe graft resorption was found in 1 hip, and mild resorption in 4 hips. The method of internal fixation of the iliac crest graft was not ideal and will require modification. Excellent femoral head-neck substitution with graft hypertrophy and remodeling was seen in 3 hips. In 7 hips (88%), vertical hip stability was achieved and a good range of hip motion was maintained. All children adapted very well to the operative procedures. At the final followup, the symptoms were those of limb-length discrepancy; pain was not a symptom.