Eight of thirteen iliopsoas transfers in patients with paralysis caused by spina bifida resulted in functional improvement. The other five patients were not helped.
The objective grading of the postoperative abductor power correlated well with the largely subjective assessment of lurch, fatigue, and walking endurance by the patient.
Neck-shaft angle and internal rotation of the limb were not significantly changed.
The strength of the gluteus maximus did not seem to affect the end result significantly.
The strength of the hip flexors other than the iliopsoas should be carefully assessed Preoperatively since loss of hip flexion can result in a dissatisfied patient even though abductor power has been increased.
All transferred muscles lost some power.
It is probable that an operative procedure to correct the posterior acetabular defect should be carried out in conjunction with the iliopsoas transfer if subluxation or dislocation is present.