Greater trochanteric transfer for the treatment of coxa brevis.

We reviewed the outcomes of 28 patients for whom we did greater trochanteric transfer. Twenty-two (79%) patients treated for coxa brevis by greater trochanteric transfer had good relief of pain and limp. Four (1%) outcomes were fair and two (0.7%) were poor. Our outcomes compared favorably with those already reported in the literature. Patients who had avascular necrosis caused by Perthes disease tended to have a better outcome than those caused as a complication of treatment for hip dysplasia. A computer model based on radiographic measurements was useful in planning the placement of the transfer for biomechanical efficiency. The surgical technique and osteotomy planning is described. Our goal is to review (1) the effectiveness of our surgical procedure, (2) whether deformity etiology influences outcome, (3) the best way to achieve optimal biomechanical efficiency, and (4) how software assisted planning can assist in surgical planning.