Reconstruction of residual deformities of the hip. A new surgical option.

Shortening of the femoral neck and relative overgrowth of the greater trochanter are the main problems after avascular necrosis of the capital femoral epiphysis. A new type of femoral osteotomy was performed in 16 patients to lengthen the femoral neck, improve the biomechanics of the hip joint with a better congruity of the head, and to restore the leg length discrepancy. Clinical and radiologic followup showed good results in all the patients after a mean time of 4.3 years. Relief of pain, a negative Trendelenburg sign, and improvement of hip movements, particularly abduction, were the most significant short term results.