A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR FUSION OF THE HIP-JOI NT THROUGH AN ANTERIOR APPROACH AND A VENTRAL PLATE

The authors present a new technique for fusion of the hip joint throug h an anterior approach (Smith-Petersen) with the use of a ventral plat e and a lateral compression screw. The indications for fusion of the h ip joint are discussed and some cases are presented. The advantages of this technique are that strong bone stock for fixation is used on the pelvic side, that the abductor muscles and vascularization of the fem oral head are left inact, and that no external fixation (cast) is rout inely used for after-treatment.