Ganz femoral head reduction associated with coverage and containment procedures improve radiological and functional outcomes in Perthes' disease.

Aims: Ganz's studies made it possible to address joint deformities on both the femoral and acetabular side brought about by Perthes' disease. Femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) was developed to improve joint congruency, along with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), which may enhance coverage and containment. The purpose of this study is to show the clinical and morphological outcomes of the technique and the use of an implemented planning approach. Methods: From September 2015 to December 2021, 13 FHROs were performed on 11 patients for Perthes' disease in two centres. Of these, 11 hips had an associated PAO. A specific CT- and MRI-based protocol for virtual simulation of the corrections was developed. Outcomes were assessed with radiological parameters (sphericity index, extrusion index, integrity of the Shenton's line, lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle), and clinical parameters (range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score, modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), and EuroQol five-dimension five-level health questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)). Early and late complications were reported. Results: The mean follow-up was 39.7 months (standard deviation (SD) 26.4). The mean age at surgery was 11.4 years (SD 1.6). No major complications were recorded. One patient required a total hip arthroplasty. Mean femoral head sphericity increased from 46.8% (SD 9.34%) to 70.2% (SD 15.44; p < 0.001); mean LCEA from 19.2° (SD 9.03°) to 44° (SD 10.27°; p < 0.001); mean extrusion index from 37.8 (SD 8.70) to 7.5 (SD 9.28; p < 0.001); and mean Tönnis angle from 16.5° (SD 12.35°) to 4.8° (SD 4.05°; p = 0.100). The mean VAS improved from 3.55 (SD 3.05) to 1.22 (1.72; p = 0.06); mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score from 14.55 (SD 1.74) to 16 (SD 1.6; p = 0.01); and mean mHHS from 60.6 (SD 18.06) to 81 (SD 6.63; p = 0.021). The EQ-5D-5L also showed significant improvements. Conclusion: FHRO associated with periacetabular procedures is a safe technique that showed improved functional, clinical, and morphological outcomes in Perthes' disease. The newly introduced simulation and planning algorithm may help to further refine the technique.

Arthroscopic Femoral Head Allograft With Proximal Femoral/Periacetabular Osteotomies for Sequelae of Perthes: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe the unique case of a 20-year-old man with a history of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, hip dysplasia, and osteochondral fragmentation of the medial femoral head. We performed arthroscopic femoroplasty and femoral head allografting, followed by a valgus-producing derotational femoral osteotomy (DFO) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). At 1-year follow-up, the patient achieved osseous union and complete femoral head healing with return to his active hobbies. CONCLUSION: We describe the successful utilization of arthroscopic allografting for medial femoral head osteochondral fragmentation. To our knowledge, this is the first report on femoral head arthroscopic allografting before DFO and PAO.

Positive outcome reporting in orthopaedic literature.

Aims: Perthes' disease (PD) is a relatively rare syndrome of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the proximal femoral epiphysis. Treatment for Perthes' disease is controversial due to the many options available, with no clear superiority of one treatment over another. Despite having few evidence-based approaches, many patients with Perthes' disease are managed surgically. Positive outcome reporting, defined as reporting a study variable producing statistically significant positive (beneficial) results, is a phenomenon that can be considered a proxy for the strength of science. This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review with the hypothesis that positive outcome reporting is frequent in studies on the treatment of Perthes' disease. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all available abstracts associated with manuscripts in English or with English translation between January 2000 and December 2021, dealing with the treatment of Perthes' disease. Data collection included various study characteristics, surgical versus non-surgical management, treatment modality, mean follow-up time, analysis methods, and clinical recommendations. Results: Our study included 130 manuscripts. Overall, 110 (85%) reported positive (beneficial) results, three (2%) reported negative results, and 17 (13%) reported no significant difference. Despite only 10/130 studies (8%) having a testable hypothesis, 71 (55%) recommended the use of their studied treatment methods for the patients, five (4%) made recommendations against the use of the studied treatment modality, and 54 (42%) did not make any recommendations. Conclusion: The overall rate for positive outcomes among included manuscripts regarding different treatment methods for Perthes' disease (85%) is higher than the 74% positive outcome rate found among studies for other surgically treated disorders and significantly higher than most scientific literature. Despite the lack of testable hypotheses, most manuscripts recommended their studied treatment method as a successful option for managing patients solely based on the reporting of retrospective data.

Functional adaptation after femoral intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) requires individualized treatment in order to regain a functional hip joint. In severe cases, in which a congruent joint cannot be achieved, other options are necessary in order to improve functionality and prevent early osteoarthritis. Therefore, we analysed the clinical and radiologic outcome of 28 patients after valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur (VOF). We examined the range of hip motion, functionality and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) via modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and Kidscreen-10. Radiographic analysis contained quantitative and qualitative measurements of hip morphology. In particular, we correlated the results with the change of the pelvic-femoral angle (PFA). PFA was defined as the angle between the anatomical diaphyseal line of the femur and a vertical line through the pelvis. The mean follow-up was 5.5 years. Patients showed high mHHS and good HRQoL postoperatively. An increase in ROM with an improvement of 30.5° abduction and 10.3° internal rotation was evident. PFA correlated with adduction contracture and improved significantly after surgery. In consideration of careful patient selection, VOF showed a positive effect on ROM, pain, HRQoL, radiographic congruence and outcome. We identified the age at surgery and an increasing adduction contracture-objectified by a decreased PFA-as a prognostic factor.

Does Acetabulum Remodel Following Varus Derotation Osteotomy for Perthes' Disease? / O acetábulo sofre remodelamento após a osteotomia derrotatória varizante em pacientes com doença de Perthes?

Abstract Objective We investigated the effect of disease stage, patient's age and final contour of femoral head on acetabulum contour following varus derotation osteotomy of proximal femur (VDRO) in unilateral Perthes's disease. Methods The study is a retrospective analysis of case records of 23 children aged ≥6 years with unilateral Perthes' disease who underwent primary VDRO procedure for containment. Acetabular index (AI) and center edge angle (CEA) were calculated bilaterally in preoperative and follow-up radiographs and compared statistically. Results There were 15 boys and 8 girls. Six hips were in Ib, 8 in IIa and 9 in IIb modified Waldenström stage while undergoing VDRO. The mean age at surgical intervention was 8.7 years. The mean follow-up duration was 3.5 years. All femoral heads were healed at final follow-up and the final Stulberg grades were I = 3, II = 8, III = 7, IV = 5. A significant acetabular dysplasia on the affected side was present preoperatively. At follow-up, the patients operated had significantly raised AI and reduced CEA. There was no significant acetabular remodeling of the affected hips at follow-up even in children operated at younger age (< 8 years) or early stages (stage Ib or IIa). The acetabulum remodeling did not correspond to the final Stulberg grade as well. Conclusion Acetabulum was found involved in early stages of Perthes' disease. Varus derotation femoral osteotomy for the diseased hip showed no significant improvement in acetabular dysplasia even when operated in early disease stages or younger age group. Residual acetabular changes were also noted even with favorable Stulberg grades.

Resumo Objetivo Investigamos o efeito do estágio da doença, idade do paciente e contorno final da cabeça femoral no contorno do acetábulo após a osteotomia derrotatória varizante (VDRO) do fêmur proximal na doença de Perthes unilateral. Métodos O estudo é uma análise retrospectiva de prontuários de 23 crianças com idade ≥ 6 anos com doença de Perthes unilateral que foram submetidas ao procedimento primário de VDRO para contenção. O índice acetabular (AI) e o ângulo da borda central (CEA) foram calculados bilateralmente em radiografias pré-operatórias e de acompanhamento e submetidos à comparação estatística. Resultados Os pacientes eram 15 meninos e oito meninas. À VDRO, seis quadris estavam no estágio de Waldenström modificado Ib, oito no estágio IIa e nove no estágio IIb. A média de idade à intervenção cirúrgica foi de 8,7 anos. A duração média do acompanhamento foi de 3,5 anos. Todas as cabeças femorais estavam consolidadas no último acompanhamento e os graus finais de Stulberg foram I = 3, II = 8, III = 7 e IV = 5. Havia displasia acetabular significativa do lado acometido no período pré-operatório. No acompanhamento, os pacientes operados apresentaram elevação significativa de AI e redução de CEA. Não houve remodelamento acetabular significativo nos quadris acometidos durante o acompanhamento, mesmo em crianças operadas em idade menor (< 8 anos) ou estágios iniciais (estágio Ib ou IIa). O remodelamento do acetábulo também não correspondeu ao grau final de Stulberg. Conclusão A VDRO do fêmur do quadril acometido não levou à melhora significativa da displasia acetabular, mesmo quando a cirurgia foi realizada nos estágios iniciais da doença ou em pacientes mais jovens. Alterações acetabulares residuais também foram observadas mesmo com graus de Stulberg favoráveis.

Outcomes of Varus Derotation Femoral Osteotomy By Angle Blade Plate in Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease for Patient Above Eight Years of Age in The Lateral Pillar B or B/C Group.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) that starts after 8 years (late onset) usually follow more aggressive course and the long-term outcome is also poor. Treatment method of LCPD that will produce best results is controversial particularly if the patients are with late-onset presentation. This prospective study was conducted from January 2015 to January 2019 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Health N Hope Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. We evaluated the radiographic outcomes for patients who had varus derotation femoral osteotomy (VDRO). We followed up 16 patients who had femoral varus osteotomy. All patients were above 8 years of age at clinical onset. The involvement of femoral epiphysis was in either in B or B/C in lateral pillar classification. All patients had MRI done to confirm radiological diagnosis and classification. The mean age was 9.5 years (range, 8 to 12 years). Final outcome was evaluated by using the Stulberg classification which was radiological. Important exclusion criteria were patient with bilateral involvement and requirement of femoral varus >30 degree. We had 81.25% of our patient with satisfactory outcomes. Among them there were Stulberg grade I, 0 cases; Stulberg grade II, 13 cases (81.25%); Stulberg III, 3 cases (18.75%), Stulberg IV and V both 0 case each. The surgical outcomes for varus derotation femoral osteotomy in late onset LCPD patients over 8 years old were showing the good results than other modalities of non surgical and surgical methods.

Treatment of Symptomatic Residual Deformity in Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease: Mid-Term Outcomes and Predictors of Failure After Surgical Hip Dislocation with Femoral-Head Reshaping and Relative Neck Lengthening.

BACKGROUND: Treating patients with symptomatic hips after healed Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is challenging, mainly because of the complexity of the deformity. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes, measure the survival rate, and identify predictors of failure following a surgical hip dislocation (SHD) with femoral-head reshaping and relative femoral-neck lengthening for the treatment of symptomatic residual hip deformity after healed LCPD. METHODS: We identified 60 patients undergoing SHD for the treatment of symptomatic residual LCPD deformity. Fifty-one (85%) of the patients (mean age, 16.3 ± 4.7 years; 21 male patients [41%]), were followed ≥4 years after surgery. We defined surgical failure as conversion to, or recommendation for, total hip arthroplasty (THA) or a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score of ≥10 at the most recent follow-up. We used a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model to identify factors that were predictive of failure. The rate of survival free from failure was estimated using a Kaplan-Meier curve. RESULTS: Twenty (39%) of the patients met 1 of the end-point criteria for surgical failure, while the hips of the remaining 31 (61%) of the patients were successfully preserved at a median follow-up of 10.2 years (interquartile range, 5.7 to 12.9 years). The estimated survival was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 70% to 92%) at 5 years and 66% (95% CI = 53% to 81%) at 10 years. Independent factors associated with surgical failure were the severity of preoperative pain as assessed by the WOMAC pain score (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.30; p = 0.01) and the severity of the deformity as assessed by the anteroposterior alpha angle (HR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.11; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We found that SHD with relative femoral-neck lengthening and osteochondroplasty of the femoral head-neck junction was associated with improved deformity as assessed radiographically and decreased pain and symptoms of stiffness among patients with symptomatic residual LCPD deformity. Preoperative pain and deformity were identified as predictors of surgical failure. Further research is needed to establish the role of SHD and other procedures in preserving the hip over the long term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic L evel IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions targeting only the acetabular side in the surgical treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to show the effectiveness of only acetabular-side surgeries for hips affected by Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve patients who underwent two different acetabular osteotomies -pembersal osteotomy and triple osteotomy - were evaluated retrospectively. Clinically, patients were examined for hip range of motion, flexion contracture, and hip extensor and abductor strength; the results were evaluated using the Harris hip score. Radiologically, the hips were assessed according to three different radiological parameters: lateral center edge angle, acetabular width, and acetabular head index at the preoperative, early postoperative, and last follow-up periods. The hips were classified according to Herring classification preoperatively and according to Stulberg classification at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was observed in patients both clinically and radiologically. It was observed that pembersal osteotomy significantly corrected the lateral center edge angle better than triple osteotomy while also correcting the other two radiological parameters, but no statistically significant difference was observed between these methods. CONCLUSIONS: Only acetabular-side surgeries are effective and safe methods that do not require femoral intervention for hips affected by Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and that do not show significant complications.

Hip survival after periacetabular osteotomy in patients with acetabular dysplasia, acetabular retroversion, congenital dislocation of the hip, or Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease: a cohort study on 1,501 hips.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Previous studies on hip survival following periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) have reported isolated data for the treatment of 1 underlying condition, making comparison between patient groups difficult. We report the hip survival after PAO in patients with acetabular dysplasia (AD), acetabular retroversion (AR), congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) with total hip arthroplasty (THA) as primary endpoint and secondarily the risk of subsequent hip-related operations other than THA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1997 to December 2021, 1,501 hips (1,203 patients) underwent PAO in a single center (Odense University Hospital). We identified conversions to THA and other subsequent hip-related operations through patient files and the Danish National Patient Registry (DNPR). RESULTS: 123 (8.2%) of the total cohort of 1,501 hips were converted to THA within the study period. The overall Kaplan-Meier hip survival rate was 71% (95% confidence interval [CI] 61-79) at 24 years with a mean follow-up of 7.6 years (range 0.02-25). The individual Kaplan-Meier hip survival rates at 15 years were 81% (CI 76-86) for AD, 94% (CI 91-96) for AR, 84% (CI 66-93) for CDH, and 66% (CI 49-79) for LCPD. In total, the overall risk of additional hip-related operations was 48% (of which 92% were screw removal). CONCLUSION: Encouragingly, 71% of hips were preserved 24 years after PAO. We found that AR patients had the highest (94%) PAO survivorship at 15 years compared with the other underlying hip conditions. Almost half of PAO patients may undergo later additional surgery, of which screw removal is the primary intervention. Overall long-term survival, risk factors for conversion to THA, and risk of additional surgery are relevant information for shared decision-making.

Declining Rates of Legg-Calvé-Perthes Surgery in the United States: National Trends Using the Kids' Inpatient Database and Pediatric Health Information System.

BACKGROUND: In 2004 and 2008 two large prospective, multicenter studies were published which resulted in improved understanding of operative indications for the treatment of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) based on patient age, disease severity, and resultant radiographic outcomes. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the trends in surgical management of LCPD in the United States prior, and subsequent to, the publication of these landmark studies. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of US pediatric hospitalizations for the surgical management of LCPD was conducted using the Kids' Inpatient Database from 2000 to 2016. Patients 12 years of age and younger were included who had a primary admission diagnosis of LCPD and a LCPD-related procedure during the hospitalization. Data was subsequently weighted to produce national-level estimates and variables pertaining to patient age group, procedure, demographics, and hospital characteristics were analyzed. In a post hoc analysis, the results of the Kids' Inpatient Database were also corroborated with the Pediatric Health Information System database. RESULTS: A weighted sample of 2786 LCPD surgical admissions met inclusion and exclusion criteria; 11.2% of surgical admissions were patients below 6 years of age, 35.9% were 6 to 8 years of age, and 52.9% were above 8 years of age. There was a significant decrease in admissions for surgical management of LCPD in all age groups over time, however there was no appreciable change in the proportion of LCPD surgical admissions performed among the above 8 to below 12, above 6 to below 8, or below 6 years age groups. Femoral osteotomy remained the most common surgical procedure, while other osteotomy types, including pelvic and unspecified osteotomies involving the hip, decreased over time ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a decreasing rate of hospital admissions for LCPD surgery since 2000, perhaps indicating a decline in incidence of disease. Furthermore, despite evidence supporting LCPD surgical outcomes related to patient age, there has been no change in the proportion of patients undergoing surgery by age group over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective study.

Incidence of total hip arthroplasty in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease after conservative or surgical treatment: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) treated conservatively or surgically and factors influencing the incidence of THA. METHODS: Long-term follow-up studies on the conservative or surgical treatments of LCPD from 1950 to 2021 were conducted using six public databases. Articles were screened by two investigators (PRISMA guidelines), and the quality of the included publications (n = 27) was assessed (MINORS criteria). R version 4.2.1 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidences of THA were 6.8% and 5.14% in patients who were treated conservatively and surgically, respectively. At disease onset, the incidences of THA were 6.79% and 6.17% after conservative treatment and surgery in patients aged < seven years, respectively, and 16.97% and 3.61% in patients aged > seven years, respectively. The incidences of THA were 4.91%, 5.19%, and 23.18% in patients who were treated conservatively with ≤ 30, 30-40, and > 40 years of follow-up, respectively, and 3.68%, 3.11%, 9.66%, and 17.92% in patients who were treated surgically with ≤ ten, ten to 20, 20-40, and > 40 years of follow-up, respectively. In patients who received conservative treatment, the incidences of THA were 5.79% and 5.29% in patients with Stulberg I-II and III-V, respectively. In surgically treated patients, the incidence of THA was 0% in Stulberg I-II and 8% in Stulberg III-V. CONCLUSION: Patients with LCPD had relatively low incidences of THA. The greater the age at disease onset and longer the follow-up, the higher the incidence of THA; however, the Stulberg classification was not directly associated with the incidence of THA.

Total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach for sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

INTRODUCTION: Due to multiplanar deformities of the hip, total hip arthroplasty (THA) for sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is often technically demanding. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with sequelae of LCPD undergoing THA through the direct anterior approach (DAA) and non-anterior approaches to the hip. METHODS: All patients with sequelae of LCPD who underwent primary THA between 2004 and 2018 (minimum follow-up: 2 years) were evaluated and separated into two groups: THA through the DAA (Group AA), or THA through non-anterior approaches to the hip (Group non-AA). Furthermore, a consecutive control group of patients undergoing unilateral THA through the DAA for primary hip osteoarthritis (Group CC) was retrospectively reviewed for comparison. RESULTS: Group AA comprises 14 hips, group non-AA 17 hips and group CC 30 hips. Mean follow-up was 8.6 (± 5.2; 2-15), 9.0 (± 4.6; 3-17) and 8.1 (± 2.2; 5-12) years, respectively. At latest follow-up, Harris Hip Score was 90 (± 20; 26-100), 84 (± 15; 57-100), and 95 (± 9; 63-100) points, respectively. Overall, 6 patients treated for LCPD (each 3 patient in the AA and non-AA group) developed postoperative sciatic nerve palsy, of which only one was permanent. Complication-related revision rate at the latest follow-up was 15% in the AA-group and 25% in the non-AA group, respectively. CONCLUSION: THA through the DAA might be a credible option for the treatment of sequelae of LCPD with comparable complication rates and functional outcomes to non-anterior approaches.

Does Prolonged Weight Relief Increase the Chances of a Favourable Outcome After Containment for Perthes Disease?

We have been treating children with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) with a femoral varus osteotomy (PFVO) and weight relief till the disease evolves to the latter part of the stage of reconstitution (Stage IIIb). This entails weight relief for 18 to 24 months. We undertook this case-control study to test if a shorter period of weight relief would compromise the chance of retaining the spherical shape of the femoral head when the disease healed. Forty-one children diagnosed in the early stages of LCPD (Stages Ia, Ib, and IIa), were treated by PFVO and non-weight-bearing for a period of 6 months following surgery (6m group). Eighty-two children with LCPD matched for age, sex, and stage at surgery, who resumed weight-bearing only once they reached Stage IIIb, served as the control group (3b group). Both groups were followed up till the disease healed. The sphericity deviation score was calculated, and the height and width of the epiphysis were measured on the first radiograph designated as Stage IV. The median sphericity deviation score value at healing was 3 in the 3b group and 11 in the 6m group (P<0.001). The frequency of spherical heads was 76% in the 3b group and 49% in the 6m group (P<0.003). The Odds Ratio of the disease healing with an aspherical head in 6-month group was 3.05 (CI: 1.28 to 7.22) compared with the 3b group. The percentage increase in width of the femoral epiphysis at healing was greater in the 6 group (111.5±8.5% vs. 106.5±7.2%; P<0.001). The study confirms that containment by PFVO performed early in the course of LCPD combined with weight relief till the disease has evolved to Stage IIIb is likely to result in spherical hips in 75% of children. Reducing the period of weight relief to 6 months may yield significantly poorer results with only 49% spherical femoral heads.

Dega transiliac osteotomy in the treatment of advanced forms of Perthes' disease: a literature review.

The work aims to revise the current views on the effectiveness of Dega's pelvic osteotomy in preventing femoral head deformity in the course of Perthes' disease in patients with late symptoms >8 years of age and withsignificant changes in the radiographic image (Catterall III/IV or Herring B, B/C, C). We did a literature review. Four articles from six found in 'PubMed' which combine Dega acetabuloplasty and Perthes' disease words were fully read and analyzed. Kamegaya (2018), with a 9.5-year follow-up period, described differences comparing the group treated with femoral varus osteotomy with the group that was treated with a combined Dega acetabuloplasty and femoral varus osteotomy. A series of papers by Napiontek from 2004, with an average 8-year follow-up, also describes satisfactory results after Dega's osteotomy, with 27 hips in groups I/II according to Stulberg. Another paper in the series, which analyzed operatively and non-operatively treated patients, shows no differences in the period of time of Perthes disease treatment between the analyzed groups. The last paper in the series from 2001, describes 10 patients treated primarily due to hip dysplasia, who was diagnosed with Perthes disease. Five of them underwent Dega acetabuloplasty obtaining a Stulberg score of I/II in the long-term follow-up. We think it seems reasonable to return to the treatment planning of Perthes' disease using Dega acetabuloplasty as a method to improve the hip congruence in late-diagnosed and advanced forms of the disease.

Does Flexion Varus Osteotomy Improve Radiographic Findings Compared With Patients Treated in a Brace for Late-onset Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease?

BACKGROUND: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is a childhood hip disease characterized by osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Because severe deformity of the femoral head can cause secondary osteoarthritis in adulthood, progressive collapse should be prevented in children with a necrotic epiphysis. The prognosis of patients with LCPD generally worsens as the age at disease onset increases, and the appropriate treatment for late-onset LCPD remains unclear. Based on the limited effect of nonoperative treatment using a nonweightbearing brace, flexion varus osteotomy (FVO) was introduced in 2010 as an initial treatment for late-onset LCPD in place of brace treatment, which we used in our institution before that time. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked, (1) Which treatment, FVO or a nonweightbearing brace, is associated with a lower likelihood of progressive femoral head collapse in children whose diagnosis of LCPD was made at the age of ≥ 8 years and who were followed for a minimum of 3 years after their intervention? (2) What proportion of patients in the brace group had surgery despite the treatment, and what percentage of children in the FVO group had a second operation to remove hardware and/or additional operations? METHODS: The initial treatment was applied in 181 patients with LCPD between 1995 and 2018 in our institution. Patients whose disease onset was at ≥ 8 years old (late-onset LCPD) with complete clinical and radiologic data were considered potentially eligible. In 2010, treatment for these patients changed from brace treatment to FVO for all patients. A total of 35% (42 of 121) of patients who were treated with a nonweightbearing brace between 1995 and 2009 and 40% (24 of 60) of patients who were treated with FVO between 2010 and 2018 were eligible. Among patients treated with a brace, 21% (nine of 42 patients) were excluded because of hospital transfer (three patients), short-term follow-up (three), the period from onset to the first visit was ≥ 7 months (two), and inability to use the brace because of mental incapacity (one patient). In patients treated with FVO, 12% (three of 24 patients) were excluded (two patients with a period from onset to the first visit ≥ 7 months and one with a comorbidity and multiple-epiphyseal dysplasia). Among the remaining patients, 79% (33 of 42 patients) were classified into the brace group and 88% (21 of 24 patients) were classified into the FVO group for analyses. There were no overlapping patients at the timepoint when the treatment strategy for late-onset LCPD changed. In the FVO group, subtrochanteric osteotomy with 35° to 40° of flexion and 15° to 20° of varus was performed using a locking compression plate for pediatric use. Patient demographics, radiographic parameters, and the assessment of femoral head deformity using the Stulberg classification were compared between the two groups. There was a greater proportion of boys than girls in both groups (brace: 88% and FVO: 86%), and there were no differences in the distribution of genders between the groups (p = 0.82). The right side was more frequently treated in the brace group, but there was no difference in laterality between the groups (brace: 58% right and FVO: 62% left; p = 0.16). There was no difference between groups in the median age at disease onset (9.0 years [range 8.0 to 12.5 years] in the brace group and 9.6 years [range 8.0 to 12.4 years] in the FVO group; p = 0.26). There was no difference between the groups in the period of treatment from onset (1.7 ± 1.9 months in the brace group and 1.5 ± 1.5 months in the FVO group; p = 0.73) or the follow-up period (6.7 ± 2.1 years in the brace group and 6.2 ± 2.1 years in the FVO group; p = 0.41). The LCPD stage at the first visit was assessed using the modified Waldenström classification. The intraobserver and interobserver values of the modified Waldenström classification, evaluated using kappa statistics, were excellent (kappa value 0.89 [95% CI 0.75 to 0.97]; p < 0.01) and good (kappa value 0.65 [95% CI 0.43 to 0.87]; p < 0.01). The radiographic degree of collapse at the maximum fragmentation stage was assessed using the lateral pillar classification. The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the lateral pillar classification were excellent (kappa value 0.84 [95% CI 0.73 to 0.94]; p < 0.01) and excellent (kappa value 0.83 [95% CI 0.71 to 0.94]; p < 0.01). The degree of femoral head deformity at the most recent follow-up examination was compared between the groups in terms of the Stulberg classification, in which Classes I and II were classified as good and Classes III through V were classified as poor. The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the Stulberg classification were good (kappa value 0.74 [95% CI 0.55 to 0.92]; p < 0.01) and good (kappa value 0.69 [95% CI 0.50 to 0.89]; p < 0.01). The evaluators were involved in the patients' clinical care as part of the treating team. RESULTS: Good radiographic results (Stulberg Class I or II) were obtained more frequently in the FVO group (76% [16 of 21 patients]) than in the brace group (36% [12 of 33 patients]), with an odds ratio of 5.6 (95% CI 1.7 to 18.5; p < 0.01). In the brace group, a subsequent femoral varus osteotomy was performed in 18% (six of 33) of patients with progressive collapse and hinge abduction, and implant removal surgery was performed approximately 1 year after the first procedure. This traditional varus osteotomy was occasionally performed in patients who were considered for conversion from nonoperative treatment before 2009 because FVO had not yet been introduced. In the FVO group, all patients (n = 21) had a second procedure to remove the implant at a mean of 10.5 ± 1.2 months postoperatively. Additional procedures were performed in 24% (five of 21) of patients, including a second FVO for progressive collapse (one patient), guided growth for a limb length discrepancy (one patient), and flexion valgus osteotomy for coxa vara in patients with a limb length discrepancy (three patients). CONCLUSION: Our historical control study found that FVO may increase the possibility of obtaining good radiographic results (Stulberg Class I or II) compared with brace treatment for patients with late-onset LCPD, although surgical interventions after the first and second implant removal procedures may be indicated. Surgeons can consider FVO if they encounter patients with late-onset LCPD, which is a challenging condition. A larger study with long-term follow-up is needed to confirm the efficacy of FVO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Progressive lateralization and constant hip geometry in children with DDH, NDH, and LCPD following hip reconstructive surgery: a cohort study of 73 patients with a mean follow-up of 4.9 years.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic and femoral osteotomies have been effective methods to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), neurogenic dislocation of the hip (NDH), and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results after hip reconstruction in children with DDH, NDH, and LCPD. METHODS: In a retrospective study, X-rays of 73 children (2-19 years) with DDH, NDH, and LCPD were measured before, 3 months, and at final follow-up (FU) after hip reconstructive surgery (open reduction, and femoral and/or pelvic osteotomy ± soft-tissue procedures between 2008 and 2018). Measurement of hip geometry included acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CE), and Reimers migration index (RMI). Mean follow-up time at final FU was 4.9 years. P value was set P < 0.05. RESULTS: After surgery (femoral osteotomy: 84 hips, Salter innominate osteotomy: 21 hips, Pemberton osteotomy: 30 hips, open reduction: 28 hips, Chiari osteotomy: 4 hips, and soft-tissue release: 24 hips), hip geometry parameters improved significantly. Nevertheless, at final FU, there was deterioration in hip geometry with femoral head lateralization (RMI) compared to the data at 3 months after surgery (RMI: preop/3 months/final FU: 40.6 ± 16.1%/6.1 ± 9.0/15.4 ± 16.0%; CE: 11.3° ± 20.0°/30.2° ± 9.5°/27.9 ± 15.4°; AI: 28.8° ± 9.6°/19.1° ± 7.6°/18.3 ± 7.6°). Sub-group analysis did not show differences concerning the progression of RMI in DDH, NDH, and LCPD at final FU. Regardless of basic disease, the lateralization was observed in all three groups (DDH, NDH, and LCPD) and statistically significant comparing X-rays 3 months postoperatively to maximum follow-up (DDH; NDH; LCPD: 2.7 ± 6.8%/7.6 ± 10.1%; 13.7 ± 15.3%/22.8 ± 19.8%; 1.7 ± 4.1%/14.9 ± 11.3%). Additional soft-tissue release techniques in patients with DDH or NDH did not show postoperative differences with statistical significance. Concerning surgical techniques, a connection between the lower RMI and the procedure of osteotomy of the ilium was found. In 25 patients, (34%) complications were observed: superficial skin lesions in 8, deep skin lesions in 3, contraction of adductors in 3, subluxation in 2, dislocations of the cast in 2, osteonecrosis of the femoral head in 2 cases, reluxation in 1, infection of the implanted plate in 1, compliance problem in 1, delayed bone healing in 1, and contraction of knee flexors in 1 case. DISCUSSION: The basic results of this study show a significant improvement of hip geometry at a follow-up of 4.9 years and prove findings of previously published literature. Moreover, the study was able to show a progression of RMI in all patient groups, which have undergone reconstructive surgery, despite basic hip geometry data (AI, CE angle) did not change. Those findings were independent from underlying pathology. Complications were counted in 34% of the patients and involved all known adverse events after hip reconstructive surgery. This makes clear why annual follow-up checks are needed not to miss the right indication for revision surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evidence level: Level IV, case series. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This manuscript is part of a prospective randomized clinical trial, registered in the German Clinical Trials Register DRKS-ID: DRKS00016861.

Does transepiphyseal drilling and closure of the greater trochanter in early Legg-Calve-Perthes disease improve natural history?

PURPOSE: There is no consensus regarding treatment of Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD). The most common sequel of the disease is coxa breva and overgrowth of the greater trochanter (GT). Our purpose was to examine the effectiveness of transepiphyseal drilling combined with closure of the GT apophysis in patients with LCPD. METHODS: During 2013-2018, we treated 16 consecutive cases of LCPD. Average age was 7.5 (range 6-10) years; nine patients were in early fragmentation, five in late fragmentation and one in reossification stages. Treatment protocol included hip arthrography, percutaneous drilling of the femoral head epiphysis, percutaneous tenotomy of adductor longus and epiphysiodesis of the GT apophysis. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 38 months. One patient was lost to follow-up. All patients had a limp prior to surgery. However, at latest follow-up, 10/15 patients had no limp, 11 patients had substantial improvement in hip range of motion. On radiographs, nine patients had Stulberg type 1-2, one type 3 and five type 4-5. There was no change in the epiphysio-trochanteric distance in any patient. Eight out of nine patients treated in the early fragmentation stage had good clinical and radiographic outcome. Most patients treated in late fragmentation stage had Stulberg 4-5 hip and required additional procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our preliminary experience, our protocol can be effective in the treatment of patients with LCPD in the initial or early fragmentation stages by improving the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the disease. This minimally invasive approach does not compromise any future treatment options. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Simultaneous femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) combined with periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) for the treatment of severe femoral head asphericity in Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to describe the midterm clinical and radiologic outcomes of concurrent femoral head reduction osteotomy (FHRO) and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) patients with major aspherical femoral head deformities. METHODS: The study included four Perthes patients in Stage IV of Waldenstrom's classification with a mean age of 10.5 and severe femoral head asphericity. They were treated with a combination of FHRO + PAO and followed for at least 2 years. An evaluation of the radiological outcome of the surgery was carried out based on the lateral center to edge angle (LCEA), the anterior center to edge angle (ACEA), the Tönnis angle, the head sphericity index, the Stulberg classification, the extrusion index, and Shenton's line integrity. An evaluation of the clinical outcome was made by evaluating hip range of motion (ROM), Harris hip score (HHS), and Merle d'Aubigne´-Postel score. RESULTS: All radiographic measures improved; three patients were classified as Stulberg class II and one as class III. The LCEA, ACEA, and Tönnis angle improved by 29° (from 3° to 32°), 16° (from 14° to 30°), and - 10° (from 18° to 8°), respectively. The mean femoral head sphericity index and extrusion index improved by 12% (from 83 to 95%) and - 33% (from 40 to 7%). No disruption was observed in the postoperative Shenton's line. According to HHS, all patients have shown excellent hip function, which improved by 27 points (from 69 to 96). Moreover, the hip ROM was increased from 222° to 267°. The follow-up period did not reveal any serious postoperative complications, such as osteonecrosis or conversion to arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Combined FHRO with PAO may improve the hip joint's morphology and function in patients with residual femoral head deformity and acetabular dysplasia due to LCPD. Despite being considered a complex and demanding hip surgery, these results suggest a more widespread implication of the salvage procedure.