Risk factor analysis of femoral avascular necrosis after operation for Tönnis grade IV developmental dysplasia of the hip

Purpose We explored the risk factors for avascular necrosis (AVN) after surgery using open reduction, pelvic osteotomy, and femoral osteotomy for Tönnis grade IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Methods In this retrospective study, we collected data of patients with Tönnis grade IV DDH treated with open reduction and pelvic osteotomy combined with femoral osteotomy from January 2012 to May 2020. The patients were divided into the AVN group and non-AVN group using the Kalamchi–MacEwen classification system. The clinical and imaging data of the two groups were collected, and the possible risk factors were included in the analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors and odds ratios of AVN. Results In all, 254 patients (mean age; 2.6±0.9 years, 278 hips) were included. The mean follow-up time was 3.8±1.5 years. A total of 89 hips (32%) were finally classified as AVN (Kalamchi–MacEwen II–IV). Univariate analysis showed significant associations with AVN for age ( p =0.006), preoperative femoral neck anteversion (FAV) ( p <0.001), femoral osteotomy length to dislocation height ratio (FDR) <1 ( p <0.001), and the epiphyseal ossific nucleus diameter to the neck diameter ratio (ENR) <50% ( p =0.009). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only excessive preoperative FAV (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05; p <0.001) and FDR<1 (OR: 3.58; 95% CI: 2.03–6.31; p <0.001) were independent risk factors for femoral head necrosis. Conclusion Excessive preoperative FAV and FDR<1 are important risk factors for femoral AVN after open reduction, pelvic osteotomy, and femoral osteotomy for Tönnis grade IV DDH. For children with DDH with high dislocation and excessive FAV, clinicians should fully evaluate their condition and design more personalized treatment programs to prevent AVN.