offset

Indications

Deformity correction

Approach

Incision

Always use the most lateral scar

- blood supply comes from medial aspect

- want to avoid a large lateral flap of dubious quality

- cross transverse scars at 90^o

- minimum 7 cm skin bridge

Options

- can do trial / sham incision down to capsule

Definition

The perpendicular distance from the centre of the femoral head to the long axis of the femur

Harris 1992

- aim for supra-physiologic offset 

- avoid making offset less than original at all costs & makes longer if possible

Soft tissue balancing equals restoring femoral offset

Effect of short offset

1.  Abductor lurch / Trendelenburg gait