Our Summary

This research paper examines the medical records of 363 young patients (aged 5-18 years old) who underwent a specific surgical procedure (called a Z-plasty) to treat severe tightness in their gluteal muscles (muscles of the buttocks). This condition was categorized into two types: ’typical’ and ‘special’, each showing different symptoms.

The treatment results were assessed after six months and the functioning of the hip was evaluated at the end of the study. On average, the patients stayed in the hospital for 11 days and were followed up for 1.5 years. The functionality of the hip improved significantly after the surgery, especially in younger children (5-13 years old) compared to older teenagers (14-18 years old).

At the six-month check, the results were excellent in most cases, good in some, and fair in only three cases. These three cases had some remaining issues such as minor pelvic tilt and an unsteady walk. Two of them had significant differences in the lengths of their legs before surgery, and their surgery was complicated by tight bands affecting the hip joint. The third patient did not follow the recommended exercises after surgery.

In conclusion, the surgical treatment was effective for severe tightness in the buttock muscles.

FAQs

  1. What is Z-plasty surgery and who are the typical patients?
  2. What were the results of the Z-plasty surgery on the patients, and how were the results evaluated?
  3. What were some of the complications or issues experienced by patients after the Z-plasty surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty is to carefully follow post-operative instructions, including doing recommended exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns or issues that may arise. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight can also help in the success of the surgery and overall hip functionality.

Suitable For

Young patients (aged 5-18 years old) with severe tightness in their gluteal muscles, especially those with symptoms categorized as ’typical’ or ‘special’, are typically recommended for a Z-plasty procedure. This surgical treatment has been shown to significantly improve hip functionality, particularly in younger children. However, it is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions and recommended exercises in order to achieve the best outcomes.

Timeline

The patients experienced improvements in hip functionality, especially in younger children, after undergoing a Z-plasty procedure. The average hospital stay was 11 days, and patients were followed up for 1.5 years. At the six-month check, most patients had excellent results, with a few experiencing minor issues such as pelvic tilt and an unsteady walk. Overall, the study showed that Z-plasty was a successful treatment option for severe tightness in the gluteal muscles.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about Z-plasty include:

  1. What is the purpose of a Z-plasty procedure?
  2. Am I a suitable candidate for Z-plasty surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with Z-plasty?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after Z-plasty surgery?
  5. Will I need physical therapy or rehabilitation after the procedure?
  6. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after Z-plasty surgery?
  7. What are the expected outcomes and success rates of Z-plasty for my specific condition?
  8. Will there be any long-term effects or limitations following Z-plasty surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  10. What steps can I take to optimize the results of Z-plasty surgery and ensure a successful recovery?

Reference

Authors: Zha K, Liu G, Yang S, Cao F. Journal: J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong). 2016 Dec;24(3):383-386. doi: 10.1177/1602400323. PMID: 28031512