Relative Neck Lengthening and Intracapital Osteotomy for Severe Perthes and Perthes-like Deformities

Intra-articular and extra-articular femoral Perthes deformities, or either, can result in severe alterations of the proximal femur and secondarily even involve the acetabulum, which can lead to premature osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip. In affected hips, joint damage due to impingement and instability may coexist. Classically, extra-articular impingement and associated abductor insufficiency in Perthes disease or similar pathologies are treated by trochanteric advancement. However, this leaves intra-articular impingement and instability unaddressed. The technique of surgical dislocation of the hip, in combination with a retinacular fap, allows for the relative lengthening of the femoral neck and even femoral head reduction osteotomy in such cases. This can be combined with an acetabular procedure to treat the secondary dysplasia. Since 2001, 14 patients with a minimum follow-up of 3 years have been treated by this technique without complications, such as femoral head osteonecrosis or trochanteric failures. All patients had markedly improved pain levels, hip mobility, and gait.