Shelf Arthroplasty by Minimal Invasive Surgery: Technique and Results of 76 Cases

Shelf arthroplasty is an old technique which by a classical approach, proposed by Lance in 1925, had a low morbidity rate and long term known results. A minimal invasive approach reduces the magnitude of the operation, its consequences and might allow one to broaden its indications. The approach is 4 cm long at the anterolateral part of the hip, through the space between tensor fascia latae and gluteus muscles. A 3×3 cm cortical-cancellous autograft is applied using a guide wire positioned by fluoroscopy and the osteosynthesis is based on a cannulated screw. 76 cases were reviewed over two years (4.6 years average, 2–8 years). The average hospitalization period lasted for three days; patients have to respect partial weight bearing for two months and no one has been placed in a re-education center. 75% patients had a completely painless hip without limiting their activity. 93% shelves are consolidated with a callus in three months; 6% nonunion was due, in part, to a technical mistake. No infection, no phlebitis, no palsy of the cutaneo lateral nerve has been evidenced.