Abstract
1. The problem of paralytic hip instability has been studied in a series of twenty-one patients brought to a spina bifida clinic.
2. Thirty iliopsoas tendon transfers were done in an attempt to reduce deformity and improve hip stability.
3. At the time of review, ten of these hips were stable and twenty were unstable. Ten hips were improved by operation, and one hip was worse. The other nineteen remained the same.
4. All of the children except one were capable of walking with an orthotic device.
5. Some of the complexities of the problem of paralytic hip instability in the patient with myelomeningocele are discussed.