Congenital dislocation of the hip over a ten-year period.

A Malmo type neonatal screening programme for congenital dislocation of the hip has been conducted in New Plymouth by orthopaedic surgeons from 1964 to 1975 including 10 103 births. Follow-up for the 11-year period appears complete. Treatment by a Von Rosen type splint for six weeks instituted within seven days of birth appears to prevent established late CDH. Subluxation at six months, however, occurred twice and a longer period of splintage might be advisable. Fourteen cases of "walking" CDH have been prevented, with a 92% success rate, with five and 10-year x-ray follow-up demonstrating good hip development in treated cases.