Congenital Dislocation of the Hip

If congenital dislocation of the hip remains untreated it can cause significant developmental abnormality and dysfunction which may, in some patients, lead to osteoarthritis in early adulthood. If the pre-discharge examination raises a suspicion of hip dislocation, the newborn should be reviewed again at the age of 2 weeks at a paediatric orthopaedic clinic whose personnel will manage future treatment should it be indicated. Treatment delay will worsen prognosis. Clinical examination of the hips must be carried out regularly at the child health clinic. Any instability of the hips and restriction of movement should be recorded on the 6 week and 4 month visits. At walking age, the child should also be observed for a limp.