Treatment of Congenital Dysplasia-Subluxation of the Hip in Children Under One Year of Age

A retrospective review of 128 cases of dysplasia-subluxation of the hip in 123 patients seen and initially treated under 1 year of age was conducted to determine the incidence of avascular necrosis and its potential relationship to treatment. Not a single case of avascular necrosis was uncovered utilizing a semi-rigid Ilfeld splint. In view of this finding, the beneficial effects of treating rather than observing every case of dysplasia-subluxation of the hip are discussed and viewed in contrast with the potential adverse sequelae of with-holding treatment, specifically as it relates to development of late diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the hip and premature osteoarthritis of the hip.