[The "hip value" as a criterium for the operative treatment of CDH in juveniles (author's transl)].

Planimetric measuring was performed at the X-rays of the pelvis of 2027 mainly juvenile patients in order to determine the socalled "hip value". We were able to define a clear statistical difference between normal and pathological values. It was possible to use the hip value as a parameter for the displasia of the hip and with additional clinical data to give a prognosis about the development of pathological hips. In addition to this guide lines for corrective operative procedures could be established. Extreme displastic joints with a hip value of more than 30 need immediate operative treatment, severe displasia with a hip value above 20 should be treated operatively as soon as possible before the end of the growth period. In milder cases of hip displasia operative treatment can be delayed until the patient starts to feel pain in the affected hip.