[Salter innominate osteotomy for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip: 37 years of follow-up].

In this article, we report the radiological and clinical status at postoperative 37th year of a 39-year-old male patient who was treated with bilateral Salter innominate osteotomy due to bilateral developmental dysplasia of the hip when he was two years old. The patient expressed that he had no complaint including pain or limitation in range of motion in both hip joints for 37 years. Pain started six months ago in right hip joint. Patient used cortisone for 12 months with a diagnosis of Henoch-Schönlein purpura five years ago. Radiologic imaging revealed findings of bilateral Salter innominate osteotomy and avascular osteonecrosis on the right femoral head. Kirschner wires which were used during operations 37 years ago remained buried in pelvic bone. Bilateral development of acetabulum and femoral head was very good. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of right hip joint revealed degenerative osteoarthritis secondary to avascular osteonecrosis on the right femoral head. Except for the last six months, patient has been living without pain or limitation in range of motion for postoperative 37 years.