The outcome of proximal femoral osteotomy for hip arthritis in young adults performed at the Wellington Hospital (Wellington, New Zealand) was reviewed.
Seventeen patients underwent 21 proximal femoral osteotomies for the treatment of hip arthritis at Wellington Hospital between 1992 and 1999. Thirteen patients (17 hips) were contacted and were able to complete a questionnaire form specific for hip pain and function.
There was a response rate of 76.5% (13 out of a possible 17 patients undergoing proximal femoral osteotomy) at a mean 3 years 4 months postoperatively. Of these, one patient has had a total hip joint replacement and one patient is currently on the waiting list for a total hip joint replacement. Three other patients (three hips) report moderate or severe hip pain. The remaining eight patients (12 hips) report having mild or no hip pain. Questionnaire results show a postoperative decrease in hip pain in most patients. Hip function as assessed by the questionnaire was essentially unchanged.
Proximal femoral osteotomy is a satisfactory option for young patients with degenerative hip arthritis. The operation is only likely to be useful in the treatment of pain.