关节造影对发育性髋关节脱位闭合复位治疗的影响

目的探讨髋关节造影指导发育性髋关节脱位(DDH)患儿复位治疗的效果。方法回顾性分析2015年1月至2018年4月厦门大学附属福州第二医院小儿骨科诊治的DDH患儿的病例资料。纳入标准:①年龄<18个月的DDH患儿;②Pavlik吊带治疗失败或未经过治疗者;③随访时间≥2年;④术前、术后及术中髋关节造影资料完整。排除标准:神经肌肉性、创伤性、畸形性髋关节脱位。共57例患者(61髋)纳入研究,其中对照组27例(28髋)采用单纯闭合复位,造影组30例(33髋)采用闭合复位联合髋关节造影。比较两组髋臼指数(AI)、中心边缘角(CE)、髋关节再脱位率、切开复位率及股骨头坏死发生率。结果造影组随访24~30个月,平均(26.2±4.2)个月,对照组随访24~37个月,平均(33.6±7.9)个月。造影组CE角为12.14°±5.03°,小于对照组(17.84°±7.44°)(P=0.001)。造影组AI为26.09°±4.62°,与对照组(26.62°±4.41°)无差异(P=0.592)。造影组14髋(42.4%)出现坏死(Ⅰ型5髋,Ⅱ型9髋),对照组12髋(42.9%)坏死(Ⅰ型6髋,Ⅱ型6髋),两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.973)。造影组7髋(21.2%)出现再脱位,对照组3髋(10.7%)出现再脱位,两组差异无统计学意义(P=0.449)。造影组6髋切开复位,对照组则无,两组差异有统计学意义(P=0.027)。结论小于18个月的DDH患儿,闭合复位时行髋关节造影有助于了解髋关节脱位的真实情况。     

The lateral edge and sourcil acetabular indices for surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip

PurposeThe acetabular index (AI) is a radiographic measure that guides surgical decision-making in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Two AI measurement methods are described; to the lateral edge of the acetabulum (AI-L) and to the lateral edge of the sourcil (AI-S). The purpose of this study was to determine the level of agreement between AI-L and AI-S on the diagnosis and degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH.MethodsA total of 35 patients treated for DDH with Pavlik harness were identified. The AI-L and AI-S were measured on radiographs (70 hips) at two and five years of age. AI-L and AI-S were then transformed relative to published normative data (tAI-L and tAI-S). Bland-Altman plots, linear regression and heat mapping were used to evaluate the agreement between tAI-L and tAI-S.ResultsThere was poor agreement between tAI-S and tAI-L on the Bland-Altman plots with wide limits of agreement and no proportional bias. The two AI measurements were in agreement as to the presence and severity of dysplasia in only 63% of hips at two years of age and 81% at five years of age, leaving the remaining hips classified as various combinations of normal, mildly and severely dysplastic.ConclusionAI-L and AI-S have poor agreement on the presence or degree of acetabular dysplasia in DDH and cannot be used interchangeably. Clinicians are cautioned to prudently evaluate both measures of AI in surgical decision-making.Level of evidenceI     

闭合复位治疗婴幼儿发育性髋脱位的疗效观察

目的 研究闭合复位术治疗发育性髋脱位(developmental dysplasia of the hip,DDH)的长期随访结果,分析复位后影响结果满意度的相关因素.方法 对1997至2005年发育性髋脱位闭合复位后60例患者(共77髋)进行平均4.5年的随访,总结临床记录和影像学资料,统计分析影响结果满意度的相关因素.结果 应用Sevefin影像学分级,77髋中56髋(73%)结果满意,Severin分级为Ⅰ～Ⅱ级;21髋结果为Severin Ⅲ～Ⅵ级,其中17髋行二次复位或矫形手术.29髋(38%)发生了程度不同的缺血坏死.统计影响结果满意度的相关因素发现:复位时年龄是影响结果满意度的重要因素(P＜0.05),复位时年龄越小最后结果的满意度越高;股骨头缺血坏死也和结果满意度相关(P＜0.05).结论 婴幼儿发育性髋脱位应早期治疗,以提高结果优良率.     

Multiple drillings of the acetabular fossa induce early joint remodeling after rotational acetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia

INTRODUCTION: We previously observed medial and/or lateral expansion of the subchondral bone in the acetabulum 3 years postoperatively in two out of three cases in which rotational acetabular osteotomy (RAO) was performed. Then we performed multiple drillings at the acetabular fossa in order to induce expansion of the medial subchondral bone in the acetabulum. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of multiple drillings on early joint remodeling after RAO. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-one women (21 joints) who had undergone RAO with multiple drillings at acetabular fossa (group D) were included. As a control group, 12 women (14 joints) without drillings in RAO procedure were observed (group C). The center-edge angle (CE angle), acetabular roof obliquity (AC angle), head lateralization index (HLI), and the angle between medial and lateral edge of acetabular roof (LOM angle) were measured on the radiographs preoperatively, at 1 month, 2 years postoperatively, and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: As regards the mean CE angle, AC angle, and HLI, there was no significant difference between the two groups. The mean LOM angle at 2 years and the last follow-up demonstrated significant difference between the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Biomechanical and anatomical changes after RAO cause increasing stress to the medial side of the acetabulum. Moreover, bone marrow-stimulating procedure at acetabular fossa might be beneficial to develop early joint remodeling affected by bone marrow derived cells such as mesenchymal stem cells.     

Long-term results of a nationwide general ultrasound screening system for developmental disorders of the hip: the Austrian hip screening program

Background

Diagnosis and early treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) continue to be issues of discussion. In 1992, a nationwide general ultrasound screening program using Graf technique was introduced to detect DDH in Austria. We investigated the effects of this program on the rates of operative and conservative interventions and the influence of the program on the number of hospital admissions for the treatment of DDH.

Methods

All cases of DDH documented in Austrian hospitals from 1992 to 2008 were included in this retrospective study. The database of the Austrian Ministry of Health was used to extract documented diagnoses and treatments.

Results

Since the introduction of the screening program, the number of patients who require pelvic surgery to treat DDH has decreased by 46 % and the number of open reductions is as low as 0.16 per 1,000 live births. Hospital admissions for the treatment of DDH decreased from 9.5 to 3.6 per 1,000 live births. All noted results gained statistical significance.

Conclusion

Compared with routine clinically based screening programs, our results confirm low numbers of open reductions and pelvic surgeries. We, therefore, advocate a standardized nationwide general ultrasound screening program to reduce the rates of operative interventions and hospital admissions associated with the treatment of DDH.

Level of evidence

Level III, diagnostic     

Predicting acetabular growth in developmental dysplasia of the hip following open reduction after walking age

Background

Acetabular dysplasia of the hip following open reduction can complicate the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purposes of this retrospective study were to investigate the long-term results of open reduction performed via an extensive anterolateral approach for DDH after walking age and to predict acetabular development using postoperative radiographs and arthrograms.

胫骨下段骨折切开与闭合复位内固定术疗效比较

目的比较闭合性胫骨下段骨折切开复位与闭合复位内固定术的疗效,以期寻找更合适的治疗手段。方法对50例胫腓骨下段骨折行内固定术,随机分为2组:A组25例(闭合复位、经皮锁定加压接骨板内固定)、B组25例(切开复位、锁定加压接骨板内固定)。结果 A组平均手术时间较B组长、术中透视次数多、解剖复位率低,但平均术中出血量少、切口长度短、住院时间短、骨折临床愈合时间短、下地负重时间短、术后并发症发生率低、术后Johner-Wruhs评分优良率高,两组差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论对于胫骨下段闭合性骨折,采用闭合复位、经皮胫骨内侧锁定加压接骨板内固定术总体疗效优于切开复位、胫骨内侧锁定加压接骨板内固定术,可以推广使用。     

Closed reduction in the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip

One of the standard treatment methods for developmental dysplasia of the hip is closed reduction followed by immobilization in a hip spica cast. This treatment is performed before achievement of independent walking, under general anesthesia and with arthrographic control. Avoidance of forced reductions and immobilization of the hip with extreme positions is of utmost importance during the procedure. Development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femur head is the main parameter affecting the late outcome of the procedure. All modifiable factors should be influenced in favor of the patient to avoid AVN. This method appears to be satisfying with acceptable rates of AVN when applied by experienced pediatric orthopedic surgeons.     

全髋关节置换术治疗成人髋关节发育不良的疗效分析

目的评价全髋关节置换术（THA）在成人髋关节发育不良（DDH）患者中的疗效。方法对2007年2月至2011年10月在本组采用THA治疗成人DDH患者33例（36髋）的患者进行手术疗效分析,术前术后肢体长度测量、Harris髋关节功能评分,以及术后随访。结果截至随访终点,共30例（32髋）获得随访,随访0.5-4.0年,平均22个月。术前双侧肢体长度差别为0.5-4.0cm（平均2.8cm）,术后双侧肢体长度差别为0.0-1.0cm（平均0.25cm）。术前Harris评分平均为42（36-78分）,术后Harris评分平均为89分（78-95分）。结论通过松解延长、采用合适的人工关节假体使用THA治疗成人DDH患者的手术效果稳定,手术技术具有可重复性,能够获得满意的疗效。     

开放复位加股骨短缩术治疗小儿发育性髋关节脱位的临床研究

目的探讨开放复位加股骨短缩术治疗小儿发育性髋关节脱位（DDH）的临床疗效。方法回顾性分析本组11例（11髋）DDH患儿采用开放复位、股骨短缩术加Salter截骨术式治疗。其中男2例,女9例;左侧7例,右侧4例。患儿手术时年龄为2岁8个月～5岁3个月,平均3．5岁。按Tsnnis系统分级：Ⅲ度2例,Ⅳ度9例。术前患肢缩短1．5～3．5cm,平均2．4cm。结果患儿随访时间1～6年,平均2．8年。股骨颈前倾角术前测量30°～50°,术中皆矫正至20°左右。术前髋臼指数35°～55°,术后矫正至17°～32°。术中股骨截骨长度1．0～2．5cm,平均1．6cm。McKay评分,优7髋,良4髋。股骨头缺血性坏死1例。结论对2～6岁之间的高脱位DDH患儿,开放复位术中发现复位困难或复位后压应力大时应行股骨截骨短缩术。     

Day-case pelvic osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose:In this article we report the results of a pilot study analysing the implications of performing pelvic osteotomies for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) as a day case. We assess the advantages of performing paediatric pelvic osteotomies as day-case procedures from a financial perspective and from an in-patient bed resource point of view.Methods:This was a prospective cohort study analysing Salter and Pemberton pelvic osteotomies performed for DDH over a three-year period from 1st January 2017 to 30th September 2019. All patients residing within 50 km of the hospital were eligible for day-case procedures. All other cases were performed as in-patients. A detailed financial costing analysis was performed and the in-patient resources utilized were documented and compared between the two models of care.Results:In total, 84 Salter and Pemberton osteotomies were performed between 1st January 2017 to 30th September 2019. Of these cases, 35 were performed as day-case procedures. A total reduction in 70 in-patient bed days was reported. Total costs for a single in-patient requiring two nights of admission amounted to €5,752, whereas the discharge cost of a day case was reported at €2,670. The savings made by our institution amounted to €3,082 per day case. A total saving of €102,696 was made over three years. In all, seven day-case patients re-attended due to inadequate pain control. They required overnight admission and were discharged uneventfully the following day.Conclusion:Day-case pelvic osteotomies significantly reduce the number of in-patient bed days used in an elective paediatric orthopaedic setting. Significant financial savings in excess of €3,000 per case are possible. The introduction of day-case pelvic osteotomy procedures can significantly improve the cost-effectiveness of managing DDH provided there are clear protocols in place with close clinical follow-up.Level of evidence:IV     

Closed reduction for treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children

Although many studies have analyzed the success rates of closed reduction and spica casting for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children, the definition of success for this procedure is not standardized in the literature. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with closed reduction for treatment of DDH in 30 children (35 hips) over an 8-year period to determine the success rates of this procedure on the basis of how success is defined. In only 1 patient (2 hips, 6%) were the hips unable to be concentrically reduced with sufficient stability at the time of closed reduction. In 10 (30%) of the other 33 hips, the acetabulum failed to develop sufficiently after closed reduction, and a secondary surgery was required a mean of 22 months after cast removal. Four (12%) of the 33 hips developed radiographic evidence of avascular necrosis. Therefore, the success rate of closed reduction for DDH varies markedly depending on how success is defined.     

Re-dislocation following open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip

We have reviewed 17 patients (18 hips) who required repeat open reduction for recurrent or persistent dislocation after a previous attempt at open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The mean follow-up was 5.5 (3–15) years. At the review, five patients were limping and had limited hip motion but no pain. Six hips were classified as Severin class III or more, and avascular necrosis was evident in 11. We suggest that technical failure is usually the cause for re-dislocation in unilateral cases, as we discovered at repeat open reduction in five of six patients with unilateral dislocation. The biological behaviour of bilateral dislocations may in someway be different since in nine of 11 patients with bilateral dislocations, no obvious cause could be attributed. The outcome is usually poor.

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Résumé Nous avons examiné 17 malades (18 hanches) qui ont nécessité une réduction ouverte répétitive de la hanche pour une luxation récidivante ou persistante après une première réduction ouverte pour dysplasie congénitale (DDH). Le suivi moyen était de 5,5 ans (3–15). À la révision cinq malades boitaient et avaient une limitation des amplitudes articulaires mais aucune douleur. Six hanches ont été classées comme Severin classe III ou plus et une nécrose avasculaire était présente dans 11 hanches. Nous suggérons que léchec technique est la cause des luxations récidivantes dans les cas unilatéraux, comme nous lavons constaté lors de la nouvelle réduction chez 5 des 6 malades avec luxation unilatérale. Le comportement des luxations bilatérales est différent puisque chez 9 des 11 malades avec luxation bilatérale aucune cause évidente ne pouvait être attribuée. Le résultat est habituellement mauvais.

     

Seasonal variation in children with developmental dysplasia of the hip

Background

It has been postulated that developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is more frequent in infants born in the winter months. It was the purpose of this study to ascertain if there was any seasonal variation in DDH at the author’s institution and compare/contrast our results with those in the literature using rigorous mathematical fitting.

Methods

All children with DDH treated at the author’s institution from 1993 to 2012 were identified. The month of birth was recorded and temporal variation was analyzed using cosinor analysis. Similar data from the literature was analyzed.

Results

There were 424 children (363 girls, 61 boys). An additional 22,936 children were added from the literature for a total of 23,360. Pearson’s Chi-square test demonstrated a non-uniform distribution in the month of birth for both our 424 children as well as the combined literature series in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Cosinor analysis of the 424 children demonstrated double peaks in mid-March and mid-October. For the entire 23,360 children, no seasonal variation was observed in 2,205 (9.4 %), a single winter peak in 16,425 (70.3 %), a single summer peak in 1,280 (5.5 %), and double peaks in the spring and autumn in 3,450 (14.8 %).

Conclusions

This study partly supports the hypothesis of tight clothing/cold temperature as one factor in the etiology of DDH with the tighter clothing/swaddling increasing the risk of DDH. However ~20 % of the DDH births demonstrated a non-winter peak. The single summer and double spring/autumn peaks, as well as in those series where no seasonal variation was noted, refutes the cold winter clothing hypothesis. Perhaps these different patterns in seasonal variation represent the heterogeneity of the genetic factors in DDH interacting with external factors (temperature and clothing) and internal factors (metabolic). Further study will be required to understand these different patterns in DDH seasonal variation.

Level of evidence

IV—case series.     

切开与闭合复位空心钉内固定治疗移位股骨颈骨折的疗效比较

目的比较切开复位与闭合复位3枚空心钉内固定术治疗移位股骨颈骨折的效果。方法回顾性分析自2006-01—2013-01诊治的移位股骨颈骨折51例,32例采用闭合复位3枚空心钉内固定(闭合复位组),19例采用切开复位3枚空心钉内固定(切开复位组)。比较2组手术时间、术中出血量、术中透视时间、末次随访时髋关节功能Harris评分、并发症情况(骨折不愈合、股骨头坏死)。结果 51例均获得随访12~90个月,平均39个月。闭合复位组手术时间、术中出血量均少于切开复位组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);而2组术中透视时间、骨折不愈合发生率差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。切开复位组股骨头坏死发生率低于闭合复位组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。切开复位组末次随访时髋关节功能Harris评分优良率高于闭合复位组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论对于移位股骨颈骨折,切开复位内固定术后股骨头缺血坏死的发生率低于闭合复位内固定术。     

Long-term outcome of medial open reduction in developmental dysplasia of hip

Introduction

Long-term outcome of medial open reduction (MOR) was examined. We aimed to evaluate the effects of MOR on hip development in developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH).

Methods

One hundred and ten hips of 74 patients that admitted to our clinic were evaluated. 15 (20.27 %) were male, 59 (79.73 %) were female. The mean age at the time of MOR was 17.71 ± 7.71 months (range 6–48 months). The mean duration of follow-up was 13.97 ± 4.89 years (range 5–24 years).

Results

Radiological results were Severin 1 and 2 in 86.37 % of the hips, Severin 3 in 10.0 % of the hips and Severin 4 in 3.63 % of the hips. Functional results were excellent (94.55 %) or good (5.45 %) according to modified McKay’s criteria. When we excluded the hips that underwent additional operations, radiological results were Severin 1 and 2 in 82.05 % of the hips, and Severin 3 and 4 in 17.95 % of the hips. Acetabular angles and ACM, CE, Sharp angles were evaluated at last follow-up. Acetabular development was better in patients that were treated before the age of 18 months. Additional operations were performed to 32 hips (29.09 %). No additional operation was performed to the patients that were treated with MOR before the age of 12 months. The patients that were treated with MOR between 19 and 24 months of age had a higher proportion (47.61 %) for additional operations. Avascular necrosis rate was 17.27 %. Avascular necrosis rate was decreased to 6.3 % when type 1 differences were excluded. Avascular necrosis rate was 12.82 % when the hips that underwent additional operations were excluded.

Conclusions

Medial open reduction is effective and safe treatment method in DDH. Early concentric stable reduction with MOR improved results.     

固骼生联合自体髂骨在发育性髋关节脱位患儿行髋臼截骨术中的应用

 目的 比较单纯应用自体髂骨植骨与联合应用固骼生植骨对发育性髋关节脱位(developmental dislocation of the hip, DDH)患儿行髋臼截骨术的临床效果。方法 回顾性分析2007年3月至2011年10月采用切开复位髋臼截骨术治疗的113例DDH患儿资料。根据髋臼截骨术后使用的植骨材料,分为自体髂骨植骨组(52例,60髋)与固骼生联合自体髂骨植骨组(61例,67髋)。113例患儿髋关节Tonnis脱位分级均为Ⅱ～Ⅳ度。两组患儿性别、年龄、手术侧别、脱位分型、髋臼截骨方式及髋臼指数比较,差异均无统计学意义。分别于术后6周、3个月、6个月、1年与2年进行随访,分别比较两组患儿髋臼截骨区骨愈合情况、髋关节的影像学及功能恢复情况,并采用Lane、Severin 及McKay标准进行评分。结果 术后6周与术后3个月时Lane骨愈合评分,联合固骼生组分别为(6.4±1.3)分、(9.6±1.7)分,自体髂骨组分别为(4.7±1.5)分、(7.8±1.2)分,前者骨愈合情况明显优于后者,两组之间有差异;而术后6个月与术后1年时,联合固骼生组和自体髂骨组截骨区均基本达到骨性愈合,两组无差异。Severin标准髋关节影像学评价结果显示：联合固骼生组(优41髋、良22髋、可4髋)优良率为(94.0%,63/67)明显高于自体髂骨组(优28髋、良22髋、可10髋)的优良率(83.3%,50/60);自体髂骨组可的概率(16.7%,10/60)明显高于联合固骼生组(6.0%,4/67)。McKay标准髋关节功能评价结果与影像学评价结果一致。结论 固骼生作为一种新型的骨缺损修复材料,能在术后早期促进髋臼截骨区骨愈合,从而提高截骨区域抗压性。在DDH患儿行髋臼截骨术中联合应用固骼生植骨可以辅助获得满意的头臼对位关系及髋关节功能。     

The effect of Dega acetabuloplasty and Salter innominate osteotomy on acetabular remodeling monitored by the acetabular index in walking DDH patients between 2 and 6 years of age: short- to middle-term follow-up

Introduction

The surgical management of neglected developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in walking children has always been a challenge to orthopedic surgeons. The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- to middle-term clinical and radiographic results of the management of DDH.

Patients and methods

Patients less than 6 years old using two of the most commonly used osteotomies, namely, Salter innominate osteotomy and the Dega acetabuloplasty. Special attention was paid to acetabular remodeling after concentric reduction, which was monitored by the acetabular index, that, in turn, was measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, every 6 months, and at the final follow-up examination.

Results

The final overall clinical end results were favorable (excellent or good) in 93 hips (85.3 %). There was a marked improvement of the acetabular coverage during the follow-up period, which proved the good remodeling potential of the acetabulum for this particular age group after concentric reduction was achieved and maintained.

Conclusion

Both osteotomy types were found to be adequate for the management of neglected walking DDH patients under the age of 6 years.     

闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术与切开复位克氏针固定术治疗儿童桡骨颈骨折疗效比较

目的通过与切开复位克氏针固定术比较,分析闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗O’BrienⅢ型儿童桡骨颈骨折的疗效。方法 2007年11月-2010年11月,收治31例O’BrienⅢ型桡骨颈骨折患儿,其中18例采用闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗(闭合复位组),13例采用切开复位克氏针固定术治疗(切开复位组)。两组患儿性别、年龄、病程、骨折分型等一般资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。结果术后两组患儿切口均Ⅰ期愈合。31例均获随访,随访时间1～2年,平均1.5年。闭合复位组2例发生伸直受限;切开复位组6例发生屈、伸或旋前功能受限。末次随访时,闭合复位组肘关节屈、伸、旋前、旋后活动度与健侧比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);切开复位组除旋后活动度与健侧相似(P>0.05)外,屈、伸、旋前活动度均小于健侧,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。肘关节功能根据Metaizeau等的标准评定,闭合复位组获优16例,良2例;切开复位组获优4例,良4例,一般3例,差2例;组间比较差异有统计学意义(Z=3.435,P=0.001)。X线片复查示,术后内固定物取出前两组骨折均解剖复位;取出后切开复位组4例发生骨折再移位,闭合复位组无骨折再移位。随访期间均无桡骨头骺缺血性坏死改变。结论与切开复位克氏针固定术比较,闭合复位弹性髓内钉固定术治疗O’BrienⅢ型儿童桡骨颈骨折具有微创、手术操作简便、固定牢固、允许术后早期活动、并发症少等优点,是一种较好的治疗方法。     

Soft-tissue interposition after closed reduction in developmental dysplasia of the hip. The long-term effect on acetabular development and avascular necrosis

We reviewed 98 children (133 hips) with developmental dysplasia of the hip who underwent arthrography immediately after closed reduction by overhead traction. We followed the patients to skeletal maturity to investigate whether soft-tissue interposition influences acetabular development and avascular necrosis over the long term. The shape of the limbus and the thickness of the soft-tissue interposition at the acetabular floor, as shown on arthrograms at the time of reduction, were not directly related to the final radiological results or to the incidence of avascular necrosis. Even if marked soft-tissue interposition was found on the initial arthrogram, spontaneous disappearance was noted in 71% up to the age of five years. The final radiological results showed no difference between those in which the interposition disappeared and those with none at the time of closed reduction. However, the requirement for secondary surgery at the age of five years was significantly higher in those with more than 3.5 mm of soft-tissue interposition. In the no-disappearance group (group C) further operation was necessary in 100% and the results were significantly worse at maturity according to Severin's classification. We suggest that the indications for open reduction should not be based solely on the arthrographic findings at the time of closed reduction.