Long-term results of Salter and Chiari hip osteotomies in developmental hip dysplasia

Abstract

When conservative treatment of developmental hip dysplasia (DDH) does not render satisfactory results, surgical methods are indicated to gain a maximum of joint posture and stability. To assess the efficiency of these surgical procedures, the long-term results of the most often used pelvic osteotomies were examined. As common evaluation scores do not apply for DDH, we developed a specific score system of 100 points to integrate subjective factors such as patient’s complaints with objective functional and radiological findings after surgical intervention. Our survey with an average postoperative follow-up examination of 10 years indicated that Salter’s innominate osteotomy can render long-term pain relief and enable normal hip development, whereas Chiari’s capsular arthroplasty does not. Here, subjective patient complaints do not correlate with clinical and radiological findings, which leads to unsatisfactory results. Ideally, patients aged 2–3 years can undergo Salter’s innominate osteotomy whereas the Chiari osteotomy should be considered for patients older than 15 years. Even under optimal surgical conditions, Chiari’s osteotomy cannot significantly prevent the development of joint arthritis. Undoubtedly, late results of both surgical procedures are dependent upon the initial stage of DDH. Additional upper femoral correction osteotomies have no further influence on hip development.