Background: The relatively new paediatric LCP hip plate (Synthes GmBH Eimattstrasse 3 CH-4436 Oberdorff) is used in children, both with and without neuromuscular disease, for fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy for a variety of indications.
Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the notes and radiographs of all those children who have had paediatric LCP device for the fixation of proximal femoral osteotomy and proximal femur fractures in our institution (Royal Manchester Children's Hospital), between October 2007 and July 2010, for their clinical progress, mobilization status, radiological healing and any complications.
Results: Forty-three paediatric LCP hip plates were used in 40 patients (27 males and 13 females) for the fixation of 40 proximal femoral osteotomies and three proximal femur fractures. This included 13 children with underlying neuromuscular pathology and 27 children without neuromuscular disease. All osteotomies and fractures radiologically healed within 6 months [majority (n = 40) within 3 months]. There was no statistically significant difference (p = 0.45) in the neck shaft angle between the immediately post-operative and final X-rays after completion of bone healing. There were no implant-related complications both in patients with and without neuromuscular disease. No metalwork loosening was observed and no plate revisions were required. Three post-operative fractures occurred in patients with neuromuscular pathology treated with post-operative plaster immobilisation.
Conclusion: The paediatric LCP hip plate provides a stable and reliable fixation of the proximal femoral osteotomy performed for a variety of paediatric orthopaedic conditions.