Linear intertrochanteric osteotomy for chronic slip of the upper femoral epiphysis.

A chronic slip of the upper femoral epiphysis (also called by the authors inveterate epiphysiolysis) is a rare, but not an extremely rare, occurrence. This paper describes a simple linear intetrochanteric osteotomy which aims to centre the femoral head correctly in the acetabulum. A deformity in the sagittal plane alone or a combined deformity in the sagittal and frontal planes can be equally well corrected. There is always a residual deformity in the femoral neck, but this is of no importance. The operation has been carried out in 21 patients and in nearly all of them the functional result was excellent. Avascular necrosis has not occurred.