Articulated distraction of the hip. Conservative surgery for arthritis in young patients.

Between 1979 and 1982, 80 patients with a variety of hip diseases were treated with articulated distraction of the hip. The patients ranged from nine to 69 years of age (mean, 34 years). The primary diagnoses were avascular necrosis, osteoarthrosis, and chondrolysis. A standard dynamic axial fixator with a single axis articulating unit was used to create a 5-mm joint space. The fixator allowed flexion and extension motion and remained in place for six to ten weeks. The follow-up period ranged from five to eight years. Assessment was performed by questionnaire, clinical, and radiographic review. The results were poor in 24 patients who were either older than 45 years of age or had a diagnosis of inflammatory arthropathy. Forty-two good results were found in the 59 patients younger than 45 years with osteoarthrosis, hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis, and chondrolysis. Only four patients older than 45 years of age had a good result. No serious complications occurred.