Proximal femoral resection arthroplasty for patients with cerebral palsy and dislocated hips

Background and purpose Chronic hip dislocation in non-ambulatory individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) can lead to severe problems, of which pain is often the most severe. We studied the outcome of proximal femoral resection, especially regarding pain, sitting balance, perineal care, and patient satisfaction.

Patients and methods During the period 1998–2005, we operated 20 non-ambulatory patients with spastic quadriplegic CP (8 females and 12 males). 13 patients had unilateral dislocation and 7 had bilateral. The mean age at operation was 15 (3–27) years. The indications for operation were chronic hip dislocation plus severe problems with pain (17 patients), perineal care (16), and sitting (10). Patients were followed from 1 to 6 years.

Results 14 patients were satisfied with the surgery, 3 were dissatisfied, 2 were uncertain, and 1 patient had died 5 days postoperatively. Of the 15 patients who had suffered from considerable pain before surgery, 8 had complete relief from pain and 7 patients experienced improvement. Of the 2 patients who had had mild pain, 1 was unchanged and 1 patient deteriorated. All patients who had not been able to sit were able to sit after the surgery. Only 1 patient had difficulties with perineal hygiene at follow-up. Postoperative complications included deep vein thrombosis (1 patient) and edema, loss of appetite, and the need for gastrostomy (1 patient). 7 patients had prolonged pain for up to 6 months after surgery. 1 of these was reoperated because of persistent pain due to a bony-spike heterotopic ossification.

Interpretation Most patients with chronic hip dislocation and severe pain or other major problems appear to benefit from proximal femoral resection. Pain, sitting ability, and perineal care improved and most patients and caregivers were satisfied.