[Valgus osteotomy in the treatment of pseudoarthrosis of the femoral neck: 41 cases].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Treating hip trauma victims who develop nonunion of the femoral neck remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. We studied the clinical and radiological outcome after Pauwels osteotomy for valgisation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This retrospective series included 41 patients (25 men and 16 women), mean age 44.5 years. Initial treatment was surgical in 21 cases and had been insufficient in 91%. Nonunion (subcapital in 53%, transcervical in 40% and basicervical in 7%) had persisted for 16 months. A tight nonunion was present in 65.9% of the cases and the femoral head appeared normal in 70%. Femoral osteotomy was performed for simple valgisation in 78% of the cases with a mean 31.5 degrees correction (range 15 degrees to 50 degrees ). A nail or screwed plate was used for fixation. Results were analyzed at a mean 76 months post-surgery.

RESULTS

Bone healing was achieved in 98% of the cases. The only failure was related to inappropriate surgical technique. Necrosis was observed in 16 cases. The functional outcome was very good or good in 82% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Osteotomy for valgisation remains a very good salvage procedure for nonunion of the femoral neck following hip trauma. It can be used for elderly subjects even in the presence of early stage or partial necrosis.