[The shelf operation for painful hip dysplasia in adults. Apropos of a continuous series of 230 cases].

230 shelf operations were carried out between 1961 and 1985 for painful acetabular dysplasia or subluxation of the hip. 208 patients have been followed up for more than one year, with 79 for between 10 and 24 years. Substantial relief of pain was obtained in 88%. The benefits of operation usually continue for many years. Factors which may lead to a poor result are advanced age, dislocation of the hip and the presence of marked osteoarthritic changes. The results have been compared with those obtained for Chiari's osteotomy, and the relative indications for the two procedures are discussed.