Non-arthroscopy minimal invasion plasma cutter in the treatment of injection gluteal muscle contracture in children

Objective To study the clinical outcomes of injection gluteal muscle contracture in children after treatment with nonarthroscopy minimal invasion plasma cutter. Methods Forty-eight children（19 males and 29 females） aged 4-16 years（mean 9.2 years） with bilateral injection gluteal muscle contracture were treated with non-arthroscopy minimal invasion plasma cutter.Micro-incision was made below the great trochanter.A space was made by isolating the adhesion between the contracture and the overlying subcutaneous tissue with an elevator and filled with saline.Gluteal muscle contracture was cut in a "Z" shape and released with the inserted plasma cutter head.The patients consisted of 19 males and 29 females aging from 4-16 years（mean 9.2 years）.Small incisions below the great trochanter were made.A space was made by separating the adhesion between the contracture band and overlying subcutaneous tissue with an elevator,where saline was filled.Contracture band was released by radio frequency vaporization. Results 26 cases were followed up for 3-96 months with an average of 62.4 months.The standard observations were made according to gait,squatting,snapping,crossing legs functions,and movement.Excellent results were achieved in 25 cases,and good in one case.Hematoma happened in one case.No injury to nerve and blood vessels occurred. Conclusion Non-arthroscopy micro-incision below the great trochanter with gluteal muscle contracture cut in a "Z" shape with the plasma cutter head is a safe,reliable,effective procedure for injection gluteal muscle contracture in children without arthroscopy,and is thus worthy of wide application.It can be used in remote hospitals without the use of arthroscopy.