What is an Osteotomy?
A Femoral Osteotomy, also called varus osteotomy, varus derotational osteotomy, hip osteotomy; is a surgical correction done on many children with subluxation (the ball slowly pulls out of its appropriate position in the socket) and dislocation (the ball is completely out of the socket) of the hips due to CP. The thighbone (femur) is cut usually just below the hip joint and redirected back into place. Most all varus osteotomy procedures involve implanting a plate and pins to hold and fix the osteotomy. Usually, children are placed in spica casts for 4-8 weeks after surgery. A splint or brace may be used for several months after the surgery. Bracing and therapy schedules must be adhered to. The expectation is that walking will be improved, and for non-ambulatory patients sitting will be improved. The main factor for hip problems is the muscle imbalance. This imbalance of the muscles, specifically tight adductor muscles pulling the femur improperly producing a rotation of the hip and the
