Pauwels' osteotomy for surgical correction of infantile coxa vara.

Abstract

Infantile coxa vara can be corrected by valgus osteotomies, but recurrence is high. Achieving an Hilgenreiner epiphyseal angle (HEA) of 40° or less prevents recurrence. In this study, Pauwels' osteotomy is stabilized using a rigid method of fixation. The aim of the study is to confirm previous reports regarding the correction of the physeal inclination to 40° or less to prevent recurrence. Thirty-one hips with infantile coxa vara were subjected to an intertrochanteric Y-shaped valgus osteotomy. In 27 hips, the HEA was corrected to 40° or less and none had a recurrence. This study confirms previous recommendations regarding the correction of HEA to 40° or less to avoid recurrence.