Long-term results of a modified Spitzy shelf operation for hip dysplasia: 79 adults with a mean follow-up of 33 years

There is no consensus regarding the treatment of symptomatic hip dysplasia in adolescents and adults. Most previous studies have insufficient follow-up time.

The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of a modified Spitzy shelf procedure.

We reviewed 79 adults with 94 acetabular shelf operations between 1976 and 2000. Mean age at surgery was 33.7 years (range 13–54). Indication for surgery was acetabular dysplasia with or without hip pain. Outcome was evaluated using hip pain pre- and postoperatively and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with conversion to total hip replacement (THR) as the endpoint.

Hip pain was reported in 84% of the hips preoperatively and in 21% one year postoperatively. 63 hips (65%) had undergone THR at a mean patient age of 54.3 years (range 29–76). The mean survival time from Spitzy operation to THR was 17.2 years (range 1–39). Survival was 86% at 10-year follow-up, 56% at 20-year follow-up, and 36% at 30-year follow-up. Predictors of THR were age at surgery ≥ 30 years and preoperative osteoarthritis (OA). The rate of complications was 12%, but most were mild to moderate.

The modified Spitzy shelf operation had a good effect on hip pain. The long-term survival with conversion to THR as the endpoint in hips without preoperative OA was similar to that reported after periacetabular osteotomy. This indicates that the shelf procedure may be a suitable option in adolescents and young adults with milder degrees of hip dysplasia without OA.