Recurrent hip dislocation in intermediate spinal atrophy.

Recurrent hip dislocation after corrective orthopaedic surgery in children and teenagers with intermediate spinal atrophy has not been reported in the literature. Four cases with long-term follow-up are presented. These represent the only cases surgically treated in 30 years of following spinal atrophy patients. Thus, it seems significant that all hips redislocated after the surgical procedure. In addition, two patients had second operations with subsequent dislocation. Pelvic obliquity should not be the basis for the surgery, as spinal fusion is generally necessary for wheelchair users. The sagacity of performing surgery for hip dislocations is raised.