Connecting bar for hip spica reinforcement: does it help?

The purpose of this prospective study was to determine if a connecting bar prevented mechanical failure of hip spicas. Eighty-two hip spicas were applied to 70 patients between April 2000 and June 2001 following open or closed reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip. Bilateral hip surgery was undertaken in 12 patients. Thirty-six spicas were applied with a bar whilst 46 were without. The technique of application was similar in all patients. Overall nine (11%) hip spicas failed (mechanically) prematurely and had to be replaced in hospital under general anaesthesia. All nine were inpatients whose spica did not have a connecting bar (P < 0.005). The rate of spica revision increased with the age of the patient. All parents of failed spica cases (nine cases) preferred the new spica with a bar to the previous one without, because they agreed that the bar made the spica more secure. The bar did not hamper toileting or handling.