OSTEOCHONDRITIS IN CONGENITAL DISLOCATION AND SUBLUXATION OF THE HIP

Abstract

In this review of 106 cases it appears that immobilisation of a contracted, dislocated or subluxated hip in an extreme position in plaster as the initial treatment caused vascular damage to the femoral epiphysis in approximately 50 per cent of cases. Preliminary frame reduction in the dislocated hips slowly stretches the soft tissues and allows adaptation of the vessels to the position required for reduction. Open reduction would seem to reduce the incidence of osteochondritic changes. When a hip is immobilised in plaster the extreme of any position, particularly with regard to rotation, should be avoided.