Clinicoradiological outcomes following pembersal acetabular osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of hip in young children: A series of 16 cases followed minimum 2 years.

Purpose Pembersal acetabular osteotomy is a relatively less practised procedure for developmental dysplasia of hip in young children. We retrospectively studied the acetabular correction and clinico-radiological outcome with this osteotomy in 16 children (16 hips) aged less than 4 years. Methods Postoperative correction of acetabular dysplasia was measured by acetabular index (AI). At follow up, following radiological parameters were documented: Centre edge angle (CEA), Reimer's index (RI) and acetabular depth to width ratio (D/W ratio). Avascular necrosis of hip, stability, and premature fusion of triradiate cartilage (TRC) were also recorded. Overall containment was assessed by modified Severin classification and function by Mckay clinical grade. Results The mean age at time of surgery was 25 months. Mean follow up was 54 months. The postoperative AI (17.6 ± 5.6°) improved significantly from preoperative values (37.5 ± 5.0°) (p < 0.0001). Mean follow up AI on the operated side was 15.3 ± 6.9° as compared to 14.7 ± 4.4° on the normal side (p = 0.78). Follow up CEA (24.9 ± 11.3°), Reimer's index (14.3%), D/W ratio (40.9%) did not differ significantly from the normal side. Early closure of TRC was not found in any of hips. All hips were clinically stable. As per modified Severin's classification, 7 hips were Type Ia, 7 Type IIa and 2 had residual dysplasia. Twelve (75%) hips had excellent clinical outcome, 2 (12.5%) good outcome and 2 (12.5%) had fair outcome. Conclusions Pembersal osteotomy is a safe and effective option for correction of acetabular dysplasia during open reduction of DDH in young children. It improves the AI and femoral head coverage, and promotes formation of a congruent and stable hip joint.