[Influence of intertrochanteric varisation osteotomy on the gait of children with Perthes disease].

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate possible effects of intertrochanteric varisation osteotomy on the gait of children with Perthes disease.

PATIENTS: Clinical and radiographic examinations and gait analysis were conducted on 50 children.

METHOD: Gait analysis was conducted using the GANGAS system.

RESULTS

Despite predominantly very good or good results shown by the clinical and radiographic examinations, gait analysis detected various functional deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The examinations show that for the group of patients described, gait analysis is a valuable method of recording functional deficits and early recognition of the need for postoperative, physiotherapeutic treatment, thus helping to avoid chronificating alterations of the gait and, consequently, potential secondary damage.