The natural history and early treatment of proximal femoral dysplasia.

Proximal femoral dysplasia (proximal femoral focal deficiency) in early infancy is characterised by considerable shortening in association with a stable hip which is freely mobile from a position of some fixed flexion and lateral rotation (Fig. I). The radiograph confirms that the femur is short, and the proximal third of the femoral shaft, trochanteric area, neck and head are seemingly absent (Fig. 2). The radiological signs are therefore incompatible