This study explored whether surgeons favor unilateral or bilateral reconstructive hip surgery in children with cerebral palsy who have unilateral hip displacement.

An invitation to participate in an anonymous, online survey was sent to 44 pediatric orthopedic surgeons. The case of an 8 year old at Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV with migration percentages of 76% and 22% was described. Surgeons selected their surgical treatment of choice and provided their rationale. Respondents were also asked to list and rank radiographic parameters used for decision-making and multidisciplinary team members involved in decision-making.

Twenty-eight orthopedic surgeons from nine countries with a mean 21.3 years (range, 5–40 years) of experience completed the survey. A “bilateral VDROs with a right pelvic osteotomy (PO) was selected by 68% (19/28) of respondents; risk of contralateral subluxation (9/19; 47%) and maintaining symmetry (7/19; 37%) were the most common rationales for bilateral surgery. The remaining 32% (9/28) chose a ‘right VDRO with a right PO’” with most of these (8/9; 89%) stating the left hip was sufficiently covered. Of 31 radiographic parameters identified, migration percentage, acetabular angle/index, Shenton line, neck shaft angle, and presence of open/closed triradiate growth plates were the most common. Physical therapists (68%) and physiatrists (43%) were most likely to be involved in pre-operative surgical consultation.

There is a lack of agreement on management of the contralateral hip in children with unilateral hip displacement. Further studies comparing patient important outcomes following unilateral and bilateral surgery are required.

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