Proximal femoral focal deficiency: Treatment and classification in forty-two cases.

A review of the surgical experiences in 42 patients with proximal femoral focal deficiency has led us to propose a new classification system. This simplified system consists of 4 definite classes based on the roentgenographic appearance of the proximal shaft, and includes distinct prognosis and treatment groups. Early and accurate prognostication facilitates rational prosthetic design and appropriate surgical treatment in all degrees of involvement. In the less severely involved classes, emphasis is placed on the utilization of the proximal shaft signs of Fixsen and Lloyd-Roberts to identify those hips with an unfavorable prognosis.