DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP JOINT IN THE NEW-BORN

1. Congenital dislocation of the hip can be diagnosed clinically immediately after birth and the diagnosis confirmed radiologically by a special technique. 2. If the affected joint is reduced during the first two or three days after birth and held reduced for a period not exceeding three months, the joint will remain stable. 3. This treatment probably leads to normal development of the hip joint. 4. The cause of congenital dislocation of the hip may be laxity of the soft tissues of the joint and not a primary dysplasia of the acetabulum.