Use of proximal humerus plates for the fixation of the subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy during total hip arthroplasty for Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip patients

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of proximal humerus plate in the fixation of subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy (SFSO) during total hip arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty female patients (mean age 49.8 years; range, 22 to 68 years) who underwent hip arthroplasty with a SFSO and fixed with a proximal humerus plate between January 2014 and June 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Rate of fracture healing, the number of fixed cortices at both sides of the osteotomy, and complications were documented. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range, 12-68 months). The average time to union was 106 days (range, 45-229 days). The mean number of cortices fixed in the proximal segment of the osteotomy was 6.2 (range, 4-9), and the mean number of cortices fixed in the distal segment of the osteotomy was 4.0 (range, 3-7). None of the patients had implant irritation or implant failure at the control visits. We observed only one non-union and our non-union rate was 3.3%. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the use of a proximal humerus plate for the fixation of SFSO can be an alternative procedure for achieving adequate rotational stability until a solid union.