HIP RECONSTRUCTION FOR FEMORAL-HEAD LOSS FROM SEPTIC ARTHRITIS IN CHILDREN - A PRELIMINARY-REPORT

Seven children (8 hips) with Choi's Type IV-B sequelae of septic arthr itis of the hip underwent an unconventional reconstruction technique u sing a vascular-pedicled iliac crest graft to replace the destroyed fe moral head and neck, The average age at surgery was 3.5 years, and the mean followup 7 years, Graft incorporation was observed in all patien ts; however, severe graft resorption was found in 1 hip, and mild reso rption in 4 hips, The method of internal fixation of the iliac crest g raft was not ideal and will require modification, Excellent femoral he ad-neck substitution with graft hypertrophy and remodeling was seen in 3 hips, In 7 hips (88%), vertical hip stability was achieved and a go od range of hip motion was maintained, All children adapted very well to the operative procedures. At the final followup, the symptoms were those of limb-length discrepancy; pain was not a symptom.