Publication:

Arthrodiastasis in the management of stiff hip

Arthrodiastasis (using external fixator and distraction) has been used for various pathologies including deformity correction/stiff hip/slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Historically this has been used for treatment of Perthes disease. The purpose of our study is to evaluate efficacy of arthrodiastasis in management of stiff hip. A 15 year old boy with stiff hip presented with complaints of pain in the left hip for past 6 months. Radiologically the left proximal femur was found to be deformed with metaphyseal widening, sclerosis and arthritic changes. Hip spanning external fixator using limb reconstruction system was done. Distraction was done at a rate of 1 mm/day. After 2 months, fixator was removed. Hip was mobilized under anaesthesia. Good range of all movements was achieved. Arthrodiastasis seems to be a good option in young adolescent in whom total hip replacement needs to be delayed as much as possible.