Pemberton osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip in older children.

The authors reviewed the results of the Pemberton osteotomy as treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in 17 hips treated after 7 years of age. Twelve hips required one or more concomitant surgical procedures. The average age at the time of the osteotomy was 9.3 years, and the average follow-up was 9.4 years. Using modified McKay's clinical criteria, 14 hips were classified as excellent or good. Using Severin's radiographic classification, 13 hips met class I-II criteria. Two patients who preoperatively showed Kalamchi and MacEwen's group IV severe avascular necrosis, plus two patients whose necessary acetabular coverage was not achieved by the Pemberton osteotomy without femoral varus osteotomy, were found to meet Severin's class III-IV criteria. Pemberton osteotomy can be an effective procedure for older children in whom progressive acetabular development is not expected, although this osteotomy may have to be combined with other operative procedures.