Section 54.—Congenital Dysplasia and Dislocation of the Hip

Abstract

Congenital dislocation or dysplasia of the hip is one of the most common causes of hip problems in childhood and subsequent osteoarthritis in later life.^1,2The cause of this condition is unknown, but it is probably due, at least in part, to a genetic error which is reflected by abnormalities in the development of the acetabulum and upper end of the femur. The disorder is approximately six times more common in females than males, and over 30 times more common in whites than blacks. Individuals of northern Italian or Scandinavian stock run the highest risk. The left side is affected half again as often as the right, and when bilateral disease is present as it is in approximately 30% of cases, the left is usually more severely involved. Ideally, the condition will be recognized at birth by the finding of an abnormal click on abduction of the affected hip.