Acetabuloplasty for congenital dislocation of the hip in children.

A modified acetabuloplasty, which has been employed at our hospital since 1977, is described for the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip in children. The procedure has been performed on a total of 74 hips in 61 children (average age 6.7 years), with satisfactory results obtained in 87.8% of hips. The technique, its indications, and pre- and postoperative management are detailed. The procedure possesses the advantages of both the shelf and Pemberton procedures and has proved to be an effective operation for older children with poor acetabular development. Our results show that, when performed correctly, this procedure is simple, safe, and effective.