Medial percutaneous hemi-epiphysiodesis improves the valgus tilt of the femoral head in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) type-II avascular necrosis

Guided Growth Improves Coxa Valga and Hip Subluxation in Children With Hereditary Multiple Exostoses

BACKGROUND

In children with severe hereditary multiple exostoses (HME), coxa valga, and hip subluxation are common deformities. The literatures related to surgical management and prevention of hip joint subluxation in HME are scarce. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of guided growth procedure to correct coxa valga and hip subluxation in HME patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively retrieved 12 patients who received guided growth procedures for coxa valga and hip subluxation in HME patients with proximal femur exostoses with a minimum follow-up time of 2 years between 2012 and 2019. Radiographic parameters include head-shaft angle, Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle, acetabular index, Reimer migration percentage, center-edged angle, articulo-trochanteric distance, and femoral neck length for comparison between preoperative and latest follow-up results. It was conducted statistically by paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

In this study, the mean difference between preoperative and latest follow-up was significant in head-shaft angle (12±5 degrees; CI, 10-14; P<0.001), Hilgenreiner-epiphyseal angle (12±5 degrees; CI, 10-15; P<0.001), and MP (7%±8%; CI, 3-11; P=0.001). There was a low revision rate (4 of 21, 19%) and no complication in our study. Compared with previous studies on guided growth in children with cerebral palsy and developmental dysplasia of the hip, our study showed good comparable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that guided growth improves the hip radiographic parameters of children with HME and may prevent coxa valga and hip subluxations. It is a safe procedure and provides predictable results.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV; therapeutic, case series.

Guided growth versus varus osteotomy for type II avascular necrosis following surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of guided growth and varus osteotomy in treating Kalamchi type II avascular necrosis (AVN) after open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

METHODS

This retrospective study reviewed patients undergoing guided growth or varus osteotomy for Kalamchi type II AVN between September 2009 and January 2019. All children who had undergone open reduction and Pemberton acetabuloplasty for DDH with a minimum two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Demographic and radiological data, which included the head-shaft angle (HSA), neck-shaft angle (NSA), articulotrochanteric distance (ATD), Sharp angle (SA), and lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) at baseline, two years, and at the extended follow-up, were compared. Revision rates were evaluated. Clinical outcomes using the Harris Hip Score were assessed two years postoperatively.

RESULTS

A total of 24 patients underwent guided growth and 19 underwent varus osteotomy, over a mean period of 3.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8 to 3.8) and 5.2 years (95% CI 4.5 to 6.0), respectively. There were no differences in demographic and preoperative radiological data, except for a younger age at time of acetabuloplasty and larger ATD for the osteotomy group. The HSA did not differ at two years and the extended follow-up because of postoperative rebound in the osteotomy group. The NSA of the osteotomy group remained smaller postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the follow-up ATD, SA, and LCEA, except for a smaller two-year ATD of the osteotomy group. Seven patients (29.2%) in the guided growth group underwent revision surgery and none in the osteotomy group. The Harris Hip Score was similar between groups.

CONCLUSION

Guided growth and varus osteotomy had comparable results in improving caput valgum deformity, given the rebound of lateral tilting of the physis after osteotomy correction. There were no differences in clinical outcomes at two years postoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):902-908.

Ellipsoidal Process of the Femoral Head in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Effect of Prophylactic Hemiepiphysiodesis

PURPOSE

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) often causes the residual deformity, typically appearing as an ellipsoidal shape. In some cases, this ovalization is related to the asymmetric growth of the femoral head physis, which presents a growth-inhibiting necrotic area in the anterosuperior quadrant. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of selective hemiepiphysiodesis of the healthy physis in the posteroinferior quadrant as a means of disrupting femoral head ovalization in cases of LCPD with the previous onset of ovalization.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 39 LCPD hips operated on consecutively by selective hemiepiphysiodesis of the posteroinferior portion of the head during the reossification phase.Surgical indication was based on a progressive increase in the ellipsoidal index (EI), the presence of a double epiphyseal nucleus of reossification, physeal narrowing, and physeal angulation. Hemiepiphysiodesis was performed at the mean patient age of 8.8 years (SD 1.5) and a mean of 4.7 years (SD 1.4) following disease onset.

RESULTS

Preoperative EI was 1.80 (SD 0.2), which was reduced to 1.72 (SD 0.2) postoperatively (P > 0.05). Physeal angulation increased from 50° preoperatively (SD 9.3) to 54.29° (SD 9.7) at the end of growth (P > 0.05). The final result according to the Stulberg classification revealed 20 class-II cases, 16 class III, and 3 class IV, and SDS was 25.97 (SD 9.95), range: 9.36-51.67.

CONCLUSION

As revealed by the EI, the ellipsoidal process may be stopped by selective hemiepiphysiodesis in the posteroinferior quadrant of the femoral head.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Guided Growth of the Proximal Femur for the Management of the 'Hip at Risk' in Children with Cerebral Palsy-A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Guided growth is frequently used to modify lower-limb alignment in children, and recently temporary medial hemiepiphysiodesis of the proximal femur (TMH-PF) has been used for the management of hips at risk of subluxation in cerebral palsy (CP) patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of TMH-PF in the management of neuromuscular hip dysplasia in children with cerebral palsy.

METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was performed by using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane databases. Pre- and postoperative radiographic changes of the migration percentage (MP), head-shaft angle (HSA) and acetabular index (AI) were included in a meta-analysis. Secondary outcomes were treatment complication rates, technical considerations and the limitations of this novel technique.

RESULTS

Four studies (93 patients; 178 hips) met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis. All three radiographic measurements showed significant changes at a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Mean changes for MP were 8.48% (95% CI 3.81-13.14), HSA 12.28° (95% CI 11.17-13.39) and AI 3.41° (95% CI 0.72-6.10), with I² of 75.74%, 0% and 87.68%, respectively. The serious complication rate was overall low; however, physeal 'growing off' of the screw was reported in up to 43% of hips treated.

CONCLUSION

TMH-PF is an effective and predictable method to treat CP patients with 'hips at risk', and the overall complication rate is low; however, further work is required to identify the best candidates and surgical timing, as well as choice of technique and implant.

Morphological variants to predict outcome of avascular necrosis in developmental dysplasia of the hip

AIMS

The most important complication of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which can result in proximal femoral growth disturbances leading to pain, dysfunction, and eventually to early onset osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to identify morphological variants in hip joint development that are predictive of a poor outcome.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who developed AVN after DDH treatment, either by closed and/or open reduction, at a single institution between 1984 and 2007 with a minimal follow-up of eight years. Standard pelvis radiographs obtained at ages one, two, three, five, and eight years, and at latest follow-up were retrieved. The Bucholz-Ogden classification was used to determine the type of AVN on all radiographs. Poor outcome was defined by Severin classification grade 3 or above on the latest follow-up radiographs and/or the need for secondary surgery. With statistical shape modelling, we identified the different shape variants of the hip at each age. Logistic regression analysis was used to associate the different modes or shape variants with poor outcome.

RESULTS

In all, 135 patients with AVN were identified, with a minimum of eight years of follow-up. Mean age at time of surgery was 7.0 months (SD 0.45), and mean follow-up was 13.3 years (SD 3.7). Overall, 46% had AVN type 1 while 54% type 2 or higher. More than half of the patients (52.6%) had a poor outcome. We found 11 shape variants that were significantly associated with a poor outcome. These shape variants were predominantly linked to AVN type 2 or higher.

CONCLUSION

Specific morphological characteristics on pelvis radiographs of AVN hips were predictive for poor outcome, at a very young age. There was an overall stronger association to Bucholz-Ogden types 2-3-4 with the exception of two modes at age two and five years, linked to AVN type 1. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):999-1004.

The potential role of the Alsberg angle as a predictor of lateral growth disturbance of the capital femoral epiphysis in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip treated by closed reduction

PURPOSE

Early diagnosis and prevention of lateral growth disturbance of the capital femoral epiphysis is challenging after treatment for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The aim of the study was to evaluate the radiographic changes of the Alsberg angle (AA) in normal children and those with DDH, and to assess the role of AA as a potential predictor of lateral growth disturbance of the capital femoral epiphysis.

METHODS

AA was measured on the anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs of 1000 normal children ranging in age from one to ten years and in 66 children (92 hips) with DDH treated by closed reduction (CR). A comparative analysis was performed.

RESULTS

In the normal children, mean AA decreased linearly with age, from 76° at age one year to 65° at age ten years, irrespective of gender and laterality. In children with DDH, the average AA was 81.5°(sd 3.9°; 74° to 87°) prior to CR; it was 75.9° (sd 4.5°; 68° to 83°) in normal children of the same age (p < 0.001). Among the 42 children (64 hips) with successfully and uneventfully treated DDH, AA reached normal values between the ages of five and six years. In contrast, children with lateral growth disturbance of the proximal femur physis (24 children, 28 hips) showed significantly higher AA values in comparison with the age-matched controls.

CONCLUSION

In DDH patients with successful CR, AA could be expected to match normal values in children between the ages of five and six years. On the other hand, AA can be used as an early predictor for lateral growth disturbance of the capital femoral epiphysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Guided Growth Improves Coxa Valga and Hip Subluxation in Children with Cerebral Palsy

BACKGROUND

Spastic hip subluxation or dislocation that is associated with an excessive coxa valga deformity is a common pathologic condition in children with cerebral palsy (CP) that is often treated with large bone reconstructive procedures. Guided growth techniques (such as stapling, plate, or transphyseal screw) have been widely used to alter the growth axis in patients with a lower-limb deformity but only a few reports have described their use in patients with coxa valga deformities.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Does guided growth surgery using a transphyseal screw combined with adductor tenotomy prevent progressive coxa valga deformity and lateral hip subluxation in children with CP? (2) What factors influence the correction of coxa valga deformity and the success of hip stabilization? (3) What complications were associated with this operation and how often did children treated with it undergo reoperation?

METHODS

From 2012 to 2016, at our institution, three authors (H-CH, KNK, K-WW) retrospectively studied data on children with CP who underwent guided growth of the hip for progressive bilateral hip subluxation associated with coxa valga deformities. A single percutaneous screw was inserted across the inferomedial portion of proximal femoral physis in an AP view and centered along femoral neck in lateral view under fluoroscopy guidance. During the period, we treated 25 consecutive children with CP who had progressive hip subluxation with coxa valga deformities. The indications for surgery were migration percentage > 30% and head-shaft angle > 155° with at least 2 years growth remaining. Of those, 13 patients underwent guided growth alone, and 48% (12) underwent a combination of guided growth and adductor tenotomy. Of the 25 patients treated with this approach, 96% (24) were available for follow-up with complete data at a minimum of 2 years follow-up (mean 50 months; range 25 to 72). All children (17 boys and seven girls; 48 hips) underwent surgery at a mean age of 8 years (range 5 to 12). With regard to the gross motor function classification system, three patients were Level 1, four patients were Level II, seven patients were Level III, seven were Level IV, and three were Level V. Radiographic parameters including the head-shaft angle, Hilgenreiner's epiphyseal angle, acetabular index, and Reimer's migration percentage were assessed before surgery and at the latest follow-up examination by one author (H-CH). Complications and reoperations were assessed by chart review. During the period in question, we generally offered secondary reconstructive surgery to patients who underwent a guided growth procedure once their subluxation progressed.

RESULTS

With the data available, the coxa valga and lateral hip subluxation improved in terms of the reduction of head-shaft angle by a mean of 13° ± 7° (95% CI 11 to 15; p < 0.001) and the reduction of the migration percentage by 10% ± 11% (95% CI 7 to 13; p < 0.001). After controlling for potentially confounding variables like gender, gross motor function classification system, Hilgenreiner's epiphyseal angle and acetabular index, we found that longer follow-up duration (r = 0.234; p < 0.001) and a smaller preoperative migration percentage (r = -0.258; p = 0.004) were associated with larger changes in the head-shaft angle. In terms of complications, we found that the proximal femoral physis grew off the screw tip in 44% (21 of 48 hips) at a mean of 28 months. Among these, 31% of hips (15 of 48) in 33% of patients (eight of 24) underwent replacement with a longer screw. Among the 17% of hips (eight of 48) in 21% of patients (five of 24) who had progressive lateral subluxation and underwent secondary reconstructive surgery, we found that their preoperative acetabular index was higher (mean 29° versus 21°; p < 0.001), as was their head-shaft angle (mean 166° versus 162°; p = 0.045), and migration percentage (mean 54% versus 36 %; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although guided growth with single transphyseal screw did not create as large a degree of varus as proximal femoral osteotomy, it did stabilize the hip in children with cerebral palsy with migration percentage less than 50% in our series. It is a simple procedure that can be of benefit to children with cerebral palsy with unstable hip. Reoperation in patients where the physis has grown off the screw tip can be a problem; fortunately, it is a rather minor procedure to replace with a longer screw.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Guided growth for caput valgum in developmental dysplasia of the hip

This study reported guided growth for caput valgum deformity and subsequent hip development. Ten children with unilateral hip dysplasia had guided growth by one eccentric transphyseal screw at age 9.1 years with minimum 2 years of follow-up. The first change was decreasing articulotrochanteric distance and then increasing physis tilt angle and head-shaft angle by 1.5 years. The center edge angle that was significantly less than the normal side (18.3 vs. 24.8°) preoperatively became comparable between both the hips 2 years later. Rebounding of physis inclination after screw back out suggested mechanical tethering, rather than permanent physis closure, resulted in morphologic changes in the femur.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level IV.