[Indications for transposition of the greater trochanter.]

The greater trochanter participates by its anatomical structure mainly in the function of the coxa, lumbar spine and has an impact on standing and gait. In case of morphological deformities its static and biomechanical functions are inadequate. One of the possible ways of adjusting the anatomical shape of the greater trochanter, if deformed, is its isolated transposition in case of trochanter altus. This condition is encountered in congenital dislocation of the hip joint, relative prolongation is found also in necrosis of the head of the femur. The authors analyzed 31 patients (27 women and 4 men, 27 patients after LCC and three after Perthes' disease) where during the last five years transposition of the greater trochanter was performed. The result was very satisfactory in 48% of the patients, good in 39%, unchanged in 10% and poor in 3%. As transposition of the greater trochanter is performed on a pathological coxa, it would be an illusion to expect after this operation restitution ad integrum. The authors discuss advantages and disadvantages of this operation. Key words: greater trochanter, osteotomy, transposition.