Effects of arthroscopic-assisted surgery on irreducible developmental dislocation of hip by mid-term follow-up

The purpose of this study was to investigate the indications, surgical technique, and the clinical effects of arthroscopic-assisted treatment of irreducible developmental dislocation of the hip by mid-term follow-up. Arthroscopic-assisted surgeries were performed on 40 children (52 hips) between January 2005 and December 2009. Anterior and antero-superior greater trochanter portals were used in these treatments. Spica cast and abduction splint were applied for 3 months postoperatively. The follow-up was conducted on every 3 months postoperatively. During 12-month follow-up, a secondary treatment such as acetabuloplasty and/or femoral osteotomy (shortening, varus, and derotation) was applied if the acetabular angle was greater than 25°. The pelvic acetabular angle, Mckay and Severin score were evaluated every 6 months in all children. With 36 to 96 months (average 71 months) follow-up, 35 children (44 hips) were successfully followed up with complete case data while 5 children unsuccessfully. According to Tönnis classification, there were 5 grade 1 hips, 14 grade 2 hips, 14 grade 3 hips, 11 grade 4 hips, in which 3 children (4 hips) were failed in arthroscopic reduction and femoral head avascular necrosis occurred in 2 children (4 hips). According to Mckay standard, the good rate is 100%. According to Severin standard, the good rate is 84.1%. Arthroscopic assisted treatment is an effective way of reduction of the irreducible hip. Compared with the open reduction, arthroscopic treatment combined with acetabuloplasty and/or femoral osteotomy has advantages of less trauma and better function preservation.