Overhead traction in the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip.

Long-term results of traction treatment for congenital hip dislocation (CDH) performed between 1984 and 1990 are presented. The new traction scheme consists of 4 distinctive phases. It is based on gradually changed direction of traction--first, from the longitudinal direction to flexion and abduction against the hypomochilion. The traction is applied by means of non irritable adhesive tape using 1/4-1/5 of the child's body weight. The period of active traction is followed by retention period in Hanausek's biomechanical device. The success rate of the scheme, in terms of reduction, was 90 per cent. In 31 per cent the Salter innominate osteotomy was performed because of residual deformity. In 10 per cent of the cases open reduction was necessary.