How old is too young for hip preservation surgery: femoral head reduction osteotomy for the sequela of traumatic hip dislocation in a six-year-old with the aid of 3D-printed models

Abstract

Traumatic dislocation of the hip is rare in children. Complications occur in cases with associated injuries and delayed treatment. Treatment options are limited in case of avascular necrosis. In this paper, we present the case of a 6-year-old girl who was unable to walk for the last 3 months. She had a traumatic hip dislocation at the age of 18 months, which was treated with a 48-hour delay. With the diagnosis of femoral head AVN, a femoral head reduction osteotomy was planned. 3D-models were printed, and the surgery was simulated on the models. The patient is now walking painless and with minimal limp. A femoral head reduction osteotomy, with some small modification, can be performed in children as young as 6-years old. 3D-modeling is a great addition to the tools a surgeon can use, in the preoperative planning of difficult osteotomies, as well as education of the residents and fellows.