Abstract
To prevent the development of osteoarthritis of the hip joint in young adults, we carried out a shelf operation, femoral osteotomy and cup arthroplasty. A shelf operation was the main type of treatment. Understanding the natural course of osteoarthritis is requisite to determine effectiveness of these procedures to prevent progression of the disease. We followed clinical and radiological outcomes of 73 cases and found progression of osteoarthritis in those in which the hip joints were bilaterally affected or had severe dysplasia. We also reviewed 18 cases, patients under 30 years old, who were treated with a shelf operation, and found excellent clinical and radiological outcomes. For treatment of incongruity of the hip joint and advanced osteoarthritis in young adults, we indicated femoral osteotomy and cup arthroplasty, respectively. These procedures were conducted to preserve the bone stock and to prevent the development of osteoarthritis.
