Diagnosis and treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip joint in the newborn

Abstract

Some problems are discussed in connection with early diagnosis and management of congenital dislocation. Diagnosis was based on the findings of Ortolani's click sign and Barlow's provocation test within 7 days following birth. The Ortolani's click sign and the Barlow's provocation test were positive in 38 out of 3,644 newborn infants. The average incidence was 10.4 per thousand. Babies diagnosed with congenital dislocation of the hip were checked repeatedly for stability of their hips and were recommended to wear a 'frog leg position diaper' continuously until they were 2 or 3 weeks old before deceiding whether to apply a pavlik bandage or not. All children should be screened again 3 months after birth.