FOLLOW-UP AND EARLY TREATMENT OF DEVELOPM ENTAL DYSPLASIA OF THE HIP

Problem: The reliability of ultrasound of the hip is examined by the c ourses of mature and physiologically immature hips. The results of son ographically controlled therapy of the congenital dysplasia of the hip are investigated. Method: 470 children out of a hip-screening program could be controlled at least one more time clinically and by ultrasou nd. X-rays were taken at the end of treatment in children who were tre ated by an abduction device. The sonographical and radiological result s were compared and grafically presented. Results: None of 570 matured hips deteriorated. 88% of the physiologically immature hips matured s pontaneously while 12% got a cast because of unsatisfactory developmen t. 68 pathological hips improved soon under therapy in an abduction de vice applied a few days after birth; they reached the borderline of 60 degrees at the maximum age of 80 days. X-ray examinations at the end of therapy showed normal acetabular indices in all cases. Six of 22 gi rls showed deterioration of the acetabular indices in further x-ray co ntrols at the age of one year. Conclusion: Even in successful therapy of the congenital dysplasia in the newborn hip x-ray examinations are highly recommended to recognize deteriorations and to initiate another therapy if neccessary.