Congenital hip dysplasia: problems in the diagnosis and management in the first year of life.

Eighty-two infants less than 1 year of age who presented with a diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia have been reviewed. Forty-one infants had a diagnosis of congenital dislocation of the hip (CDH), of which 14 were bilateral cases. Forty-one infants had a diagnosis of acetabular dysplasia, of which none was bilateral. The incidence of breech malposition was higher in the CDH group (34%) than in the acetabular dysplasia group (15%). The metaphyseal edge angle, which accurately discriminates between these two groups, is described. There was evidence of abnormal radiographic development in those children with acetabular dysplasia who were not treated by abduction splintage.