The value of distal greater trochanteric transfer in the treatment of deformity of the proximal femur owing to avascular necrosis.

A series of 49 patients (55 hips) who had distal greater trochanteric transfer at the mean age of 13.9 years because of the deformity of the proximal femur after treatment for developmental dislocation of the hip was reviewed to verify the value of the procedure. Mean follow-up was 8.8 years. Clinical and radiologic assessment was supplemented with strain-gauging evaluation of the muscles involved. Good results were achieved in patients who had good range of movement or isolated restriction of abduction before the operation. After surgery, a 22% increase of abductors torque was found, the Trendelenburg sign disappeared in 30 individuals, and 15 patients regained normal gait. No complications were observed. Our study confirmed the value of distal transfer of the greater trochanter in treatment for proximal femur deformity owing to avascular necrosis after management of developmental dislocation of the hip and clarified indications for this procedure.