In four children with primary subacute osteomyelitis of the talus seen one to five months from the onset of symptoms, the only constant complaints were of pain and a limp. All four were treated by curettage, immobilisation in plaster and appropriate antibiotics. All the bony cavities were healed within eight months of the operation and there were no growth disturbances nor any abnormalities of the adjacent joints.

1. The combination of femoral shaft fracture with dislocation of the hip in the same limb has been recorded in eighty-one patients since 1823.

2. A further fourteen cases are reported.

3. In over half the cases the hip dislocation was diagnosed late or not at all, and this error has occurred more often in modern times. The reasons for this are outlined.

4. The diagnostic physical signs of hip dislocation in the presence of a femoral shaft fracture are described.

5. The mechanism, sequels and treatment of this combined injury are discussed.