Outcomes After Salter and Pemberton Osteotomies for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children: A Descriptive Retrospective Cohort

Background/Objectives: Salter and Pemberton osteotomies are distinct reconstructive procedures used for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This study descriptively characterized outcomes after both procedures without estimating comparative effectiveness. Methods: This single-center retrospective cohort included 50 children (67 operated hips) aged 18–72 months treated from 2017 to 2020: 47 hips underwent Salter osteotomy, and 20 underwent Pemberton osteotomy. Because treatment allocation was nonrandom, baseline severity was incompletely recorded, and 17 children contributed bilateral hips, outcomes were summarized descriptively. Results: Mean acetabular index decreased from 44.5 ± 9.9° to 19.0 ± 5.8° after Salter osteotomy and from 43.7 ± 7.5° to 21.5 ± 4.0° after Pemberton osteotomy. Modified McKay grades I–II were recorded in 72.3% and 80.0% of hips, respectively, and Severin grades I–II in 78.7% and 85.0%. Concomitant femoral osteotomy was performed in 17.0% and 50.0% of hips. Three superficial infections and six subtrochanteric femoral fractures were recorded in the Salter group. Conclusions: Both groups showed substantial acetabular index reduction and mostly favorable clinical and radiographic grades. Nonrandom procedure selection, unequal follow-up, bilateral hips, and incomplete baseline and event detail preclude conclusions about equivalence, superiority, or comparative risk.