We evaluated the results of fifty-eight fascia lata transfers and
anterior hip releases in thirty-three myelodysplastic patients with a
minimum follow-up of 10.9 years. The procedure does not appear to achieve
hip stability or prevent recurrent flexion deformity. Pelvic obliquity
occurs secondary to scoliosis and results in increased instability of the
hip on the high side and ischial decubitus ulcers on the low side. The
degree of scoliosis and pelvic obliquity is related to the level of neural
involvement. Similarly, ambulatory status is dependent on neural function
and is not affected by instability of the hip.