Capsular arthroplasty of the hip for congenital dislocation.

During a 20-year period, capsular arthroplasty was performed on 32 congenitally dislocated hips (28 patients). The Colonna procedure was used, except that prereduction traction was omitted. Capsular arthroplasty was a primary surgical procedure for 12 patients (15 hips) in whom a late diagnosis of CDH was made (mean age at diagnosis, 3.9 years). The same operation was performed as a secondary, or salvage, procedure in a group of 16 patients (17 hips) who had undergone one or more previous operations that failed to secure reduction. The results of treatment in the two groups did not differ significantly. Long-term stability was achieved in 27/32 hips (84%). Excellent or good results were obtained in 17/32 hips (53%). Fair or poor results were obtained in 15/32 hips (47%). In 10/32 hips, there was marked stiffness and in 5/32 hips, redislocation occurred.