EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF CONGENITAL DYSPLASIA AND CONGENITAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP

Abstract

To appraise the accuracy and possible limitations of the (thigh) abduction test in the diagnosis of congenital hip joint abnormalities the test was specifically used in examining 11,010 infants. All infants were examined during their first day of life, again on the fifth day, and (90 % of them) at regular intervals for six years. In children routinely examined the average age at the time of diagnosis was 4 months, with no dislocations being undiscovered prior to the weight-bearing age; in children not routinely examined the average age was 14 months. In most infants full 90-degree abduction is unusual after the neonatal period; during the second through the eighth or ninth month abduction is frequently in the range of 60 to 70 degrees. With dysplasia and dislocation, abduction is usually limited to 45 to 50 degrees. Abduction limited to 60 degrees or less should warrant roentgenographic examination.