[The hip joint of children. Clinical diagnosis in the infant].

The relative importance of clinical findings is age-related. While instability is the key criterion in the neonatal phase, inhibition of abduction is of decisive importance as of the second month of life. However, the correct diagnosis can only be reached on the basis of a synopsis of all historical and clinical signs. Such signs are not sufficient to rule out disorders of hip maturation or to detect them beyond doubt, and above all early. Early diagnosis can only be improved by general sonographic screening of newborns. Clinical examination continues to be indispensable for differential diagnosis and for the introduction and performance of therapy tailored to the individual case.