Femoral Osteotomy (VDRO)
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.
Definition
Osteotomy means to cut the bone. The Femur is the thigh bone. Therefore, a femoral osteotomy is the cutting of the thigh bone. There are various reasons why the femur bone is cut. Most commonly it is to "bend" it so that the 'ball' of the femur can sit in the 'socket' of the pelvis better. It can also be performed to achieve "untwisting" of the thigh bone.
This procedure is usually completed with pin and plates to fix the bones in position and to ensure that it heals in the right position. These are usually removed up to two years after surgery.
The dotted line represents where the bone will be cut. The other dark line represents the position of the pin and plates.
Weight Bearing
Your child may be allowed to weight bear straight away within pain limits or have a 2 week period of non-weight bearing to allow the bone to heal. This is up to your orthopaedic surgeon who will advise you closer to the surgery.
Plasters
Not required.
Orthoses
Sometimes a foam wedge (Shown in photo to the right) may be used to help position the hip when lying in bed.
Special Instructions
Keep leg straight- knee caps pointed up towards the ceiling- after surgery. Do not let leg roll in or out for long periods of time.
Equipment
Your child will need a wheelchair and perhaps a hoist and a commode to help with toileting. Speak to your Occupational Therapist for further recommendations and assistance.
© The Children's Hospital at Westmead - 1997-2010
This document was updated on Thursday, 11 February 2010.
| 
