Problems in the early recognition of congenital hip dislocation

Abstract

Seven cases of infants whose hips were clinically normal at birth, and in whom hip dislocation was later recognized, are reported. In spite of the widespread practice of routine examination of the hips of newborn babies, infants and young children are still presenting with congenital dislocation of the hip. This is probably owing to there being two aetiological types. Every opportunity to re-examine the hips of children under 2 or even 3 years of age must be taken and a high level of suspicion maintained.