Iliopsoas transfer in the management of established dislocation and refractory progressive subluxation of the hip in cerebral palsy.

The authors have reviewed 25 hips in 23 patients with cerebral palsy in which iliopsoas transfer had been performed for established dislocation or refractory progressive subluxation of the hip. The iliopsoas tendon was transferred either postero-laterally or antero-laterally, depending upon the degree of fixed flexion of the hip. An adductor release was performed in all cases and an open reduction when necessary. A painfree stable joint was produced except for one hip in which the iliopsoas tendon had become detached because of sepsis. The loss of flexor power at the hip due to the transfer is thought to be a small price to pay for the relief of pain and spasm and the increase in function.