Management of post septic sequelae of hips with dislocation in children

Limited literature guide management of post septic sequelae of hips with dislocation in children. We studied the functional and radiological outcome of open reduction of such sequelae in 11 children. Special emphasis was given to determine the influence of surgical correction and relocation of these hips.

Preoperative acetabular index (AI) on both sides was compared to quantify acetabular dysplasia. Radiological parameters like AI, centre edge angle (CEA), Reimer’s index, centre head distance discrepancy (CHDD) and neck shaft angle (NSA) were calculated and compared with the unintervened side at follow-up. Outcome was assessed radiologically by modified Severin classification and clinically by Moon’s criterion.

Average age at open reduction was 20.6 months and further follow-up was 48.8 months. The mean pre-operative AI on intervened side (35 degrees) differed significantly from unintervened side (22.5 degrees). The follow-up AI on intervened side (26.5 degrees) improved significantly from the pre-operative values but residual dysplasia persisted. Mean values for other radiological parameters on intervened side at follow-up were CEA 16.1 degrees, Reimer’s index 31.5%, CHDD 18.6% and NSA 119 degrees. Mean shortening of 2.3 cm was documented in ten patients at final follow-up. Triradiate cartilage fused in four out of 11 hips at follow-up. Radiological outcome according to modified Severin classification was good to fair in seven patients (types II and III) whereas poor in four patients (types IV and V). Functional outcome as per Moon’s criterion was excellent to good in nine patients, fair and poor in one patient each.

Open reduction potentially alters the natural history of post septic sequelae of hips with dislocation and contributes to better hip mechanics and function.