[Screening and diagnosis of hip instability in newborn infants]

Abstract

Instability is the clinical sign that characterizes congenital dislocation of the hip. The methods used to detect hip instability do not all have the same value, and snapping is only an accessory and inconstant sign. In case of doubt, ultrasonography with dynamic test may be a useful complement to clinical examination. The natural course of the disease being unpredictable, treating all dislocated hips seems to be justified. The author discusses the risks and reliability of clinical examination and the criteria of hips at risk of dislocation to conclude in favour of clinical detection.