Congenital dislocation of the hip. Early detection and prevention of late complications.

Most congenitally dislocated hips (CDHs) are inapparent and asymptomatic during the neonatal period, although at that time a high percentage can be detected. Treatment during this period can decrease the late sequelae of CDH. Although the abduction tests of Ortolani and Barlow are the standard methods of detection in the neonate, their value and their use in screening programs have been overemphasized. There is no evidence that the use of these tests in screening programs applied to large populations can consistently reduce the late sequelae of CDH. This overemphasis on neonatal screening results in a false sense of security with resultant lack of continued vigilance throughout the period of infancy.