Trochanteric epiphysiodesis in complex treatment of children with hip pathology: analysis of preliminary results

Background. The relative overgrowth of the greater trochanter is one of the most common deformities of the proximal femur in association with several disorders of the hip joint. Aim. To analyze the dynamics of proximal femoral growth after trochanteric epiphysiodesis as well as to determine the options for using this method in the complex treatment of children with hip pathology. Materials and methods. We analyzed the data of clinical and radiological examinations and surgical treatment (permanent trochanteric epiphysiodesis with metal fixation) outcomes for 43 (52 joints) patients aged 4–12 years with a developing high position of the greater trochanter. Results. The surgery enabled slowing down of the growth of the greater trochanter on the side of intervention by (average) 50% ( p < 0.05), although the values of the neck-shaft angle both on the affected side and the side opposite to it did not change ( p < 0.05). Conclusion. In moderate disorders of the growth plate of the femoral head epiphysis, trochanteric epiphysiodesis can prevent the progression and, in some cases, correct disturbed ratios of the hip joint, thereby avoiding the need for larger surgical interventions.