Clinical benefit of reconstruction of dislocated or subluxated hip joints in patients with spastic cerebral palsy

Abstract

Sixty-four dislocated hip joints in 47 patients with spastic cerebral palsy were reconstructed surgically for pain or physical impairment. The procedure included a femoral and pelvic osteotomy, an anterior iliopsoas transfer, and further soft-tissue surgery. The study was based on a research questionnaire (mean follow-up 6.8 years) and radiographs (3.0 years). Upon review of radiographs, it was discovered that three hips had redislocated and that 23 were insufficiently covered. Four complications (one deep infection, three femoral fractures) occurred. Pain was relieved fully in 28 of 37 patients and eased in 9 of 37. Weight-bearing improved sitting problems in 22 of 26 patients and enabled nine of 36 nonwalkers to take at least a few steps.