Safety of Fettweis squatting position in congenital dislocation of the hip: Experimental study of prevention of deformity of the femoral head and neck in pigs

Abstract

The safety of the Fettweis squatting position for immobilization after reduction in congenital dislocation of the hip was evaluated in an experimental model in pigs. In seven neonatal pigs, the hips were fixed in a plaster cast for 3h in the Fettweis squatting position after the insertion of an allogenic meniscus into the hip joint. Three to 5months later, no obvious deformity of the femoral head or neck was noted. The results demonstrate that the squatting position is an appropriate position for immobilization after the reduction of dislocated hip joints.