An oblique osteotomy is better for subtrochanteric shortening in total hip arthroplasty for high hip dislocation: a mechanical comparison of four techniques.

BACKGROUND

Subtrochanteric femoral shortening is used during total hip arthroplasty for high hip dislocation in developmental dysplasia of hip patients.

METHODS

We mechanically tested the stability of various commonly used subtrochanteric osteotomy techniques. As the equivalent of a femoral stem placed in a shortened femur without any stable fixation at the osteotomy line, 2 polyvinylchloride pipes were loosely intertwined. 4 different osteotomies (Z-subtrochanteric osteotomy, oblique-45° osteotomy, double Chevron-90° and 120° subtrochanteric osteotomy) were simulated. Torsional and axial loads were applied, and torsional stiffness was calculated for each test model.

RESULTS

Z, double Chevron-90° and 120° subtrochanteric osteotomy models demonstrated lower mean torsional stiffness than oblique-45° osteotomy. With the highest torsional stiffness oblique-45° provides the best stability for treatment of high dislocation hips when a subtrochanteric osteotomy is added.

CONCLUSIONS

This matches our previous clinical experience. Oblique osteotomy may also provide higher contact surfaces in the osteotomy lines to promote bone healing.