Aims. We report a prospective cohort study of the midterm results of
surgical dislocation of the hip (according to Ganz) to perform resection
of osteochondromas involving the femoral neck in patients with multiple
hereditary exostoses (MHE). . Methods. Hip range of movement (ROM) was assessed pre- and post-operatively.
Patients’ judgment of post-operative reduction of pain, symptoms,
the Rand 36-item Health Survey (RAND-36) and complications were
analysed. . Results. Symptomatic osteochondromas of the femoral neck were removed
in 20 hips (17 patients) between 2007 and 2012. There were nine
men and eight women with a mean age at the time of surgery of 29
years (11 to 47). Mean follow-up was 46 months (26 to 73). At latest
follow-up, mean ROM was significantly increased in all directions.
Post-operatively the pain associated with the lesion was either
significantly decreased or non-existent. There was a significant
improvement in seven RAND-36 sub-domains. Encountered complications
in four patients were pseudoarthrosis of the trochanteric osteotomy,
traumatic separation of the trochanteric osteotomy, a pertrochanteric
femoral fracture and avasvular necrosis. Histological analysis revealed
osteochondromas in all hips. . Discussion. This study confirms the Ganz trochanteric flip osteotomy provided
a reliable approach to osteochondromas of the femoral neck that
are otherwise difficult to access for surgical resection. The procedure
offered significant improvement in the quality of life, although
one should be aware of the serious complications can arise despite
the relatively safe procedure. Take home message: When daily function and activities are affected,
resection of osteochondromas of the proximal femur according to
Ganz is indicated to significantly improve quality of life. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:260–5
