Developmental dislocation of the hip is still important problem--therapeutic guidelines

Abstract

The authors are describing currently important problem--developmental dislocation of the hip. Guidelines for the treatment have been given according to literature date and upon their own experience. Therapeutic suggestions for the first twelve months of life are based on the ultrasound typing--it is advised to perform nonoperative treatment (abduction devices, "over head" traction, Pavlik harnesses). During the second year of life a pause in the treatment should be adviced in order to avoid postreduction avascular hip necrosis as a very important complication. After that period surgical treatment has to be done (open reduction, pelvic and femoral osteotomies). Special suggestions have been given for the treatment of consecutive leg length inequality and the deformities caused by postreduction avascular hip necrosis.