Long term results in traumatic dislocation of the hip in children

The long term results of 14 cases of traumatic dislocation of the hip in children are reviewed. The follow-up period was from 10 to 30 years, which in all but 2 cases involved attaining skeletal maturity. The following observations are recorded. The lesion can be produced by comparatively minor trauma; the prognosis is more benign than in adults; prolonged restriction of weight bearing does not play any significant role in the development of complications, particularly in children under the age of 6. Late complications are essentially related to the severity of the initial trauma than to early or late weight bearing.