[The inguinal incision for the open reduction of congenital hip dislocation (author's transl)]

Operative reductions of congenital hip dislocation are sometimes difficult when lateral incisions are used since the medial part of the acetabulum and the lower limbus are difficult to visualize. In the Ludloff technique this part of the acetabulum is seen excellent, but not the lateral part. High dislocations with inverted limbus are difficult to reduce and only with partial excision of the limbus. An inguinal incision beginning lateral at the spina ilica ventralis offers the best view and can be used for all different degrees of dislocation and age groups. The technique is described, the advantages and the rate of avascular necrosis compared with other incisions. Femoral osteotomies and acetabular or pelvic osteotomies should not be done at the same time because of a higher percantage of avascular necrosis. In high dislocaitons shortening osteotomies should not be done in the intertrochanteric region but deeper in the shaft to avoid additional disturbances of the vascular system of the proximal femur.