Hip instability in myelodysplasia.

Hip stability with reference to the ambulatory capacity of the myelodysplastic child is considered in a retrospective study. In 104 cases followed between 1950 and 1975, the patients were subdivided into 6 groups based on lowest functional neurological level as determined by hip motor power. Ninety-eight major operative procedures were performed about the hip in 50 patients. Over 50% of these operative procedures proved unsuccessful in stabilizing the involved hips. Mustard's transfer of the iliopsoas was used in a small group of patients and hip stability was attained in all cases. Sharrard's transfer was successful in only 2/3 of the cases. In all 6 groups, no difference in ambulatory capacity could be shown whether or not the patient had hip stability.