Subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty for high-riding developmental dislocation of the hip

A surgical technique, which uses a transverse osteotomy, for subtrochanteric femoral shortening and derotation in total hip arthroplasty for high-riding developmental dislocation of the hip is described. Anteversion is set by rotating the osteotomy fragments, and torsional stability is augmented with allograft struts and cables when indicated. Eight patients with 9 total hip arthroplasties were followed for an average of 43 months (range, 24-84 months). Good to excellent results were obtained in 87% of patients (7 of 8). Eight of 9 osteotomies (89%) demonstrated radiographic evidence of healing at an average of 5 months. One patient had an asymptomatic nonunion of the osteotomy site but still had a good overall clinical result. Another patient suffered fatigue failure of a distally ingrown porous device, which necessitated revision total hip arthroplasty 18 months after surgery. Subtrochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty for developmental dislocation of the hip allows for acetabular exposure and diaphyseal shortening while facilitating femoral derotation. Furthermore, proximal femoral bone stock is maintained and some of the potential complications of greater trochanteric osteotomy may be avoided.