[Sprain and dislocation of the hip joint]

Traumatic dislocations of the hip, while very infrequent injuries, must be treated with the utmost urgency. The later the adjustment is made, the sooner aseptic necrosis of the femoral head and periarticular ossification have to be reckoned with; these may lead to dysfunction. The results of 40 cases are reported, one-half of which was treated with two-week extension and a long period of non-weight bearing, the other half without extension, early mobilisation and partial weight bearing up the 11th week. The results in each group are equally good. Thus, we endorse Lorenz Böhler's proposal to follow the immediate repositioning with a short inpatient treatment and early mobilisation, increasing to full-weight bearing after one week and certifying working capability after 3 to 4 weeks.