[Diagnosis and therapy of hip dysplasia in the older child]

Diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia is based on normal values of the acetabulum, but also criteria such as deficiency of the acetabular rim and an increased distance from the tear drop figure. Instability of the hip joint is seen in arthography. Acetabuloplasty is the way to treat it. Unstable joints will deteriorate, stable ones are frequently improving spontaneously. The technique of open reduction from an inguinal approach medial of the psoas muscle is described. There are many advantages. Simultaneous shortening osteotomy and acetabuloplasty to permit immediate movements out of the hip spica are recommended to avoid stiffening and contractures. Hip dysplasia is corrected by a lateral acetabuloplasty that levers down the acetabular roof in the triradiate cartilage. After consolidation of the cartilage triple pelvic osteotomy for acetabular rotation is the method to correct dysplasia in adolescents and adults. The closer the osteotomies are performed to the hip joint, the better rotation is possible. Our technique has proved successful now in 12 years.