ABSTRACT
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) includes a wide spectrum of pathology ranging from mild acetabular dysplasia, which may not present until late adolescence or adulthood, to a fixed, total, irreducible dislocation of the hip diagnosed at birth. The complications of DDH are usually those of treatment and they include proximal femoral growth disturbances and avascular necrosis of the femoral capital epiphysis. Proximal femoral growth disturbance may result in shortening of the limb or deformities such as coxa vara or coxa valga; the latter deformity can lead to progressive subluxation during growth. Avascular necrosis can lead to an incongruous joint and secondary degenerative arthritis. Early concentric reduction favours resumption of normal acetabular growth and this may enable correction of acetabular dysplasia in many instances, thus reducing the need for later pelvic osteotomy. Various splints that hold the hips abducted are used in certain parts of the world. These include the Craig, von Rosen and Frejka splints.
