The pathological anatomy of chronically dislocated hips makes
reconstruction for more difficult in them than in most cases. The
acetabular component must be seated at the site of the original triradiate
cartilage and the femur must be shortened four or more centimeters to
prevent excessive limb lengthening. This means that the femoral component
must be seated in the smallest, strightest portion of the intramedullary
canal. A specially designed prosthesis is often needed. Twenty-two hips
were operated on in this series, and all patients had relief of pain and
improvement of gait. One major complication occured: a sciatic-nerve palsy
due to overlengthening of the femur and improper postoperative
positioning.