The treatment of congenital hip dysplasia.

The authors take into consideration the different phases of the treatment of congenital hip dysplasia (CHD) as it is related to age and natural development. Within the first year of age three objectives must be aimed at: reduction of the epiphysis, its retention and immobilization, maturation of the hip. After three years of age, once the epiphysis has been reduced, reconstructive and stabilizing surgery must be performed (acetabuloplasty and femoral osteotomy) in order to correct the modified joint parameters. After ten years of age and until the end of growth the degree of dysplasia influences treatment, as intervention is justified (preferably with biological reconstruction of the acetabulum) in forms of severe dysplasia caused by the definite occurrence of pain at an early age. We emphasize the importance of adapting treatment to the specific phase of evolution of the hip understood to be dynamic reality.