Inadequate reduction of congenital dislocation of the hip

The orthopaedic literature contains conflicting opinions concerning whether the interposition of soft tissue between the femoral head and acetabulum after a closed reduction of a congenitally dislocated hip interferes with development of the joint. This article describes eleven such cases of complete congenital dislocation of the hip in which the hip was maintained in an appropriate position after closed reduction for a prolonged period. All cases were documented by arthrography. It was concluded that the soft tissue in the joint can represent an inadequate reduction. One cannot expect the soft tissue always to recede or disappear, and the interposition can lead to a poor result.