[Extensive excision of the upper end of the femur in children with motor handicap of cerebral origin].

The authors have resected the upper part of the femur on 17 occasions in 12 teenagers suffering from spastic paraplegia or quadriplegia. The patient had no hope whatsoever of walking. The hips were dislocated and painful. This type of procedure is justified by failure of other procedures aiming to stabilise the hips in spastic patients. It was performed by a double approach-anterior and posterolateral. The quality of post-operative care is very important. After an average follow-up of 3 years the results were satisfactory in 8 patients. Three had post-operative complications of pain, increased spasticity and secondary fracture of the femur. The indications must be considered because secondary bone formation may take place and decrease the quality of the result. The main goal is to diminish pain and increase comfort.