Cheilectomy of the Hip in Children

Cheilectomy of the hip is a salvage operation for patients with pain and limitation of motion caused by a mechanical blockage of an abnormally shaped femoral head. Eight patients ranging in age from 8 to 15 years were retrospectively reviewed in order to evaluate the intermediate-term results of cheilectomy to address the separate problems of pain, range of motion, and function. A mean follow-up of 5 years is reported. Clinical records and radiographs were analyzed. All patients were found to have short-term relief of pain and an increase in hip motion. Six of the eight patients regressed in terms of increased pain and loss of range of motion 2–4 years after cheilectomy. Children with an abnormally shaped femoral head causing pain and limitation of motion can benefit for a short time from cheilectomy, even if the physes are closed. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 13(1):20–23, 2004