Management of neonatal hip instability: an analysis of the efficiency in a consistent treatment program.

The efficiency of a consistent treatment program for children with neonatal hip instability (NHI) was analyzed. Of 165 children who were referred to the orthopedic department with suspected NHI, 91 children had unstable hips and were treated with a von Rosen splint for 8 weeks; 74 children were found to have stable hips and were not treated, but were followed up in the same way as the treated children. All treated and untreated children developed clinically and radiologically normal hips. Treatment with a von Rosen splint is reliable, and with few exceptions 8 weeks is sufficient time for treatment of NHI.