The Spitzy shelf operation for the dysplastic hip Retrospective 10 (5-25) year study of 124 cases

Since 1961 we have used the Spitzy shelf operation combined with a vertical flap osteotomy of the outer cortex of the ilium for early arthrosis secondary to acetabular dysplasia, subluxation, and dislocation. In 124 hips, followed for 10 (5-25) years, clinical improvement was maintained in 67/85 of patients who were operated on under the age of 30 and in 22/39 of patients treated after 30. However, less than half of the hips in the younger group and only one out of ten in the older group were symptom-free.