Long-term results after Colonna's operation.

A long-term review of 82 patients (117 hips) who had Colonna's operation for congenital dislocation of the hip has been carried out. Although early assessments had shown a high proportion of good results these deteriorated with time. At our latest review of 61 hips, with an average follow-up of 30 years, 34% had moderate, and 66% severe, osteoarthrosis; many of these patients now need a total hip replacement. We conclude that Colonna's operation is only indicated in a small number of cases. It should never be carried out over the age of 6 years, and only in younger children when there is severe underdevelopment of the acetabulum or where procedures which preserve the articular cartilage are unlikely to be successful.