Treatment options for developmental dislocation of the hip after walking age

Cases of developmental dislocation of the hip occur after walking age because of late or missed diagnosis and failed conservative or operative treatment. Although a general consensus exists for the treatment in infants up to the age of 18 months, the recommendations for the treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip in older children range from conservative treatment up to 3 years of age to primary surgical procedures from the age of 18 months. A review of the pertinent literature and of the different treatment options was performed and the authors' preferred treatment regime and techniques for the operative treatment of developmental dislocation of the hip after walking age are reported. (c) 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.