Early open reduction for congenital dislocation of the hip.

We have reviewed 82 children with congenital dislocation of the hip, after treatment by anterior open reduction followed by derotation femoral osteotomy. The clinical and radiological results were significantly better in the group that had open reduction before the appearance of the capital femoral epiphysis; this group also had a lower incidence of avascular necrosis. We conclude that, when it is clearly indicated, the earlier an open reduction is carried out the better the results.