Shortening of the femur (thigh bone) is often associated with a shallow socket. Many affected children and their families will opt to have their femur surgically lengthened when they are older to make their leg lengths equal. As a bone is surgically lengthened, the surrounding muscles become tighter. These increased muscle forces can cause neighbouring joints to come under strain. In the hip this can be a real problem. If the socket is shallow, then muscle tightness from lengthening the femur can cause the hip to dislocate. If future lengthening is part of the treatment plan, Dr Qureshi will evaluate the x-rays carefully to see if there is evidence of the socket being shallow. If the socket is shallow, Dr Qureshi will discuss stabilising the hip as a prelude to future lengthening.