A pediatric hip system refers to a specialized set of implants, instruments, and surgical techniques designed for the treatment of hip disorders in children and adolescents. These systems are used in orthopedic surgery to address developmental, congenital, traumatic, and neuromuscular conditions affecting the hip joint.

Indications for Use

Pediatric hip systems are utilized in various conditions, including:

  • Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) – A condition where the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to instability or dislocation.
  • Perthes Disease – Avascular necrosis of the femoral head, which leads to deformity and joint dysfunction.
  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE) – A disorder in which the femoral head slips off the neck of the femur, leading to pain and mobility issues.
  • Cerebral Palsy & Neuromuscular Hip Dysplasia – Muscle imbalances can lead to hip subluxation or dislocation.
  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) – Abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum leading to pain and cartilage damage.
  • Fractures & Trauma – Pediatric hip fractures or growth plate injuries that require stabilization.

Components of a Pediatric Hip System

A pediatric hip system typically consists of:

Implants

Pediatric Hip Plates & Screws

  • Used for fixation in osteotomies and fractures.
  • Common types: Locking plates, blade plates, dynamic hip screws (DHS).

Intramedullary Nails (IM Nails)

  • Used for femoral fractures and deformity corrections.
  • Designed to accommodate growing bones.

Hip Resurfacing & Prosthetics

  • In cases requiring joint reconstruction, smaller-sized prosthetic components are available.

Acetabular Components

  • Used in cases requiring surgical intervention for acetabular dysplasia.
  • Can include screws, bone grafts, and augmented cups.

Instrumentation

Reamers & Osteotomes – For bone preparation in osteotomy procedures.

Guidewires & Drill Bits – For precise implant positioning.

Reduction Instruments – To realign hip structures before fixation.

Growth-friendly Fixation Devices – Some systems allow for controlled growth modulation.

 

Surgical Procedures Utilizing Pediatric Hip Systems

Open Reduction & Hip Reconstruction

  • Used for conditions like DDH.
  • Techniques include femoral and pelvic osteotomies.

Osteotomies

  • Femoral Osteotomies: Used to correct deformities (e.g., varus or valgus osteotomy).
  • Pelvic Osteotomies: Salter, Dega, and Ganz osteotomies to reshape the acetabulum.

Growth Modulation Techniques

  • Used in cases where guided growth correction is needed.

Hip Resurfacing or Replacement (Rare in Pediatrics)

  • Reserved for severe cases of arthritis or joint destruction.

Key Considerations in Pediatric Hip Systems

  • Growth Considerations: Pediatric hip implants are designed to avoid disruption of growth plates.
  • Modular Components: Systems often allow for customization based on patient size and anatomy.
  • Biocompatibility & Longevity: Materials such as titanium and cobalt-chrome are used for durability and reduced wear.

Advancements in Pediatric Hip Systems

  • 3D-Printed Implants: Customized patient-specific implants.
  • Minimally Invasive Approaches: Less tissue disruption and faster recovery.
  • Navigation & Robotics: Improved accuracy in hip reconstruction.

Conclusion

The pediatric hip system plays a crucial role in managing various hip disorders in children. With a range of implants, instruments, and surgical techniques, these systems help in correcting deformities, stabilizing fractures, and ensuring proper joint development while accommodating growth.