MUSCLE FUNCTION AFTER FEMORAL SHORTENING OSTEOTOMIES AT THE SUBTROCHANTERIC AND MID-DIAPHYSEAL LEVEL - A FOLLOW-UP-STUDY

Relative femoral shortening length at the subtrochanteric (ST) and mid -diaphyseal (MD) level was compared with isokinetic muscle strength mo re than 2 years postoperatively. For the ST level no upper limit for s hortening length could be detected. For MD osteotomies the relative sh ortening length was negatively correlated to muscle strength. There wa s a significant difference at the MD level between those shortened mor e or less than 10%, indicating an upper limit of 10% of the femoral le ngth for regaining normal muscle strength. For correction of leg lengt h inequality and for shortening of unaccepted tallness, these results should be taken into account when choosing the level for osteotomy.