Lateral roentgenography in the diagnosis and treatment of dysplasia/dislocation of the hip.

The author emphasizes the importance of true lateral and multiple-position roentgenograms in providing a more comprehensive demonstration of the pathology, the attainment of reduction and the surgical alterations which are necessary to maintain a congruous reduction. A simple convenient technique for lateral roentgenography of the hip in children is presented. A series of cases with roentgenograms is also presented to demonstrate the value of the lateral roentgenograms. The horizontal lateral roentgenogram simulates the position of the upright human stance, and thus, depicts malocclusion, which may be seen when anteversion is present. Even though the anterior view depicts sphericity and apparent coverage, the lateral roentgenogram may show malocclusion which may lead to degenerative changes later in life. It is the author's belief that the treatment of children's hip conditions will show improved long-term results if predicated on the comprehensive x-ray examination outlined in this article.