A comparative study of bilateral versus unilateral congenital dislocation of the hip

The presentations, treatment requirements, results, and complications of 50 patients with bilateral congenital hip dislocation were evaluated and compared with a similar group of unilateral dislocations. Diagnosis was significantly delayed in the bilateral dislocations. The only consistent sign on initial clinical examination of the bilateral group was the symmetrical restriction of hip abduction. Treatment requirements were similar for the unilateral and bilateral dislocations, and in fact, the unilateral dislocations were more likely to undergo reconstructive procedure after successful closed reduction. Overall results, when based on age at diagnosis, were similar for the two groups. In both groups, females required less treatment and were more likely to have a good result. The complication of avascular necrosis was seen more frequently in the unilateral dislocation, while the bilateral dislocation had a higher incidence of inadequate reconstructive operations.