Congenital Subluxation and Dislocation of the Hip in Infancy

Abstract

The physical signs of congenital subluxation (dysplasia) of the hip are limitation of abduction, an extra skin crease in the thigh, and shortening of the extremity. In a young infant, treatment is simple, consisting of immobilization in abduction long enough for the hip to develop satisfactorily. Demonstrable telescoping distinguishes dislocation from subluxation. Most dislocations must be reduced manually. The joint is immobilized in the “frog position.” Beyond the age of eight or nine months, treatment for subluxation or dislocation must be more radical.