Salter's innominate osteotomy: the biologic stimulating effect

This study entails the follow-up of 28 patients (33 hips) with congenital hip dislocation. The primary treatment was one-stage open reduction and Salter type osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 5 years and 6 months (range = 3 years to 7 years 4 months). At last follow-up, 9 hips (27%) were classified as excellent, 22 hips (67%) as good, and 2 hips (6%) as fair. Avascular necrosis developed in two hips (6%) postoperatively. The difference between the acetabular index at immediate postoperative time and at last follow-up was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The Salter osteotomy by itself may have a biologic stimulating effect on the acetabulum, which accentuates reversal of the dysplastic changes.