(ii) Congenital dislocation of the hip

Abstract

Congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH) remains a significant problem in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Clinically screening has not eradicated late presenting cases although ultrasound examination is promising particularly in early management. The imperative is early diagnosis since most hips will respond to simple abduction splintage. A later diagnosis is synonymous with surgical intervention either in the form of open or closed reduction. Both procedures often necessitate later surgery common in the form of a pelvic osteotomy to address residual acetabular dysplasia. The later the primary surgery the more complex it becomes and the long term prognosis in terms of early onset osteoarthritis is compromised.