TANGENTIAL VIEW ARTHROGRAM AT CLOSED REDUCTION IN CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP

Of 119 previously untreated hips with congenital dislocation (complete dislocation), a classification of tangential view arthrograms at closed reduction was attempted in 34 joints that could not be reduced with a Pavlik harness or by traction but could be reduced manually under anesthesia. Conservative or open reduction was selected according to this classification. None of the hips had total femoral head necrosis, and only two femoral heads showed mild permanent necrosis. These results suggest the usefulness of this classification for selection of treatment for congenital hip dislocation.