SPHERICAL ACETABULAR OSTEOTOMY FOR TREATMENT OF ACETABULAR DYSPLASIA IN ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG-ADULTS

A spherical rotational osteotomy performed close to the acetabulum to correct acetabular dysplasia in adolescents and young adult patients w as described by Wagner in 1965. Since 1980, we have used the anterior surgical approach of Smith-Petersen and special spherical chisels as o ur operative technique. Stable internal fixation with modified semitub ular plates allows early functional postoperative treatment without ex ternal immobilization. Adherence to strict surgical indications has yi elded good results with few complications and infrequent need for revi sion surgery. Results from three series of spherical osteotomies (>300 hips) validate the concept of major acetabular redirection for improv ement of prognosis in adolescents and young adult patients with modera te and severe congruous acetabular dysplasia.