Unilateral varus osteotomy of the proximal femur in children with cerebral palsy: a five-year follow-up of the development of both hips

Background  

Varus osteotomy of the proximal femur (VOPF) is one treatment option to prevent hip dislocation in children with cerebral palsy (CP). It is questioned whether the osteotomy should be performed in the displaced hip only, or if it should be performed bilaterally to prevent later displacement of the contralateral hip. CPUP is a register and healthcare programme for children with CP that was initiated in 1994 in southern Sweden. In the programme, range-of-motion and radiographic examination of the hips is performed regularly. These data have been analysed preoperatively and for 5 years postoperatively in children treated with unilateral VOPF.