Leg length discrepancy treatment with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy and blade plate fixation.

Background: Subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy is a method of surgical treatment of lower limb discrepancy (LLD). It is less commonly used due to numerous limitations and the resulting decrease in height, which is an undesirable effect for most patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the results and complications of treatment of leg length discrepancy (LLD) by femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with a blade plate and screws.

Material And Methods: The study group comprised 18 patients treated by subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy fixed with a blade or straight plate and screws. The age of patients at the time of the operation ranged from 12 years and two months to 24 years and 3 months (mean 17 years and 8 months). Before the operation, the mean LLD amounted to 4.1cm (from 2,5 to 7,0). The size of the same-time resection of the femur at the level of the subtrochanteric osteotomy ranged from 2.5 cm to 5.0 cm (mean 3.7). The follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 15 years and 9 months (mean 3 years and 6 months). The analysis of the results was based on the following criteria. A good result was defined as obtaining an equal length of both legs or achieving the intended amount of shortening. A fair result was defined as a post-operative LLD from 0.5 cm to 1 cm. A poor result comprised patients with post-operative LLD greater than 1 cm or with complications that leave a lasting impact or complications requiring revision surgery.

Results: A good result was obtained in 15 patients and a fair one in 3 patients. Complications appeared in 5 (28%) patients. The most common complication was delayed bone healing. Full weight -bearing of the operated limb was allowed between 12 and 32 weeks post-surgery (mean 19 weeks). The final LLD ranged from 0 cm to 3 cm (mean 0.6 cm). Equal limb length was obtained in 13 (72%) patients.

Conclusions: 1. Subtrochanteric femoral shortening osteotomy fixed with a plate and screws, taking into consideration the limitation of possible correction to 5-6 cm, is an effective method of treatment of lower limb discrepancy with a relatively low complication rate. 2. The most common complications of subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy are disorders of bone union. 3. The use of lag screws for stabilisation of the osteotomy with an angle plate may reduce the risk of complications.