Bilateral Girdlestone Procedure as a Treatment Modality in a Case of Complicated Adult-Onset Osteopetrosis: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a nonambulatory 39-year-old man who presented with a diagnosis of osteopetrosis and ankyloses, having experienced bilateral fractures of his proximal femora, undergone unsuccessful conventional surgical interventions, and having developed chronic osteomyelitis of his right proximal femur. Bilateral Girdlestone procedures were performed. Postoperative range of hip motion and Harris hip scores improved, and he became ambulatory, achieving optimal function considering the circumstances at 12 months postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the indications of the bilateral Girdlestone procedure remain undefined, these procedures may constitute acceptable treatment in patients with osteopetrosis with ankylosis and chronic osteomyelitis of the proximal femur.