A Comparative Study of Ambulation-Abduction Bracing and Varus Derotation Osteotomy in the Treatment of Severe Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Children Over 6 Years of Age

Abstract

Thirty-six patients with severe Legg-Calve-Perthes disease were reviewed retrospectively to compare the results of ambulation-abduction bracing with varus derotation osteotomy. There were 17 brace patients and 19 osteotomy patients, and all were aged >6.9 years. Treatment results were equal. The percentage of acetabular coverage, extent of lateral femoral subluxation, and the age of the patient affected outcome. The varus neck-shaft angle and leg length discrepancy resulting from the osteotomy were not permanent. The articular trochanteric distance appeared to be affected more by the neck- shaft angle recovery than by epiphysiodesis of the greater trochanter.