On the basis of these observations, it appears that in patients with chronic hip dislocation due to an inadequate acetabulum, a satisfactory socket can be made by a simple reconstructive operation. Provided that the femoral head has been brought down to the level of the socket, stability of the hip can be obtained in patients in whom other standard procedures have failed. In this series the limb shortening was not always overcome but a well functioning joint without appreciable loss of motion or significant pain was achieved in every case.