Osteotomy of the lesser trochanter for rheumatoid arthritis of the hip.

Forty-eight operations of osteotomy of the lesser trochanter in 45 patients were reviewed after an average of three and a half years. Of 10 hips affected by proved rheumatoid arthritis eight obtained complete relief of pain and two partial relief. Of 38 hips affected by osteoarthritis 16 had complete relief and 17 partial relief.The results suggest that osteotomy of the lesser trochanter deserves a more extended trial in cases of proved rheumatoid arthritis of the hip joint.