Subluxation of the hip joint during femoral lengthening.

Three cases of subluxation of the hip joint occurred during femoral lengthening using the Wagner technique. This infrequent complication, which may result from a conflict of force vectors at the hip joint during lengthening, can, when left untreated, nullify the benefits of such a procedure. We suggest that increased awareness and closer monitoring can improve the prognosis for patients undergoing this course of therapy, especially where a previous hip operation has been performed.