[Is treatment of C.D.H. by progressive reduction by traction still advisable? (author's transl)].

The authors analyse the results that they have obtained in the treatment of C.D.H. either by conservative or surgical methods. The prevention of osteochondritis remains the main worry. However traction leads to long-lasting immobilization and sometimes it is not sufficient. The authors think that osteochondritis may be related to hyper-pressure on the femoral head or to lesions of the vascular pedicle and that in some cases shortening of the femur or tenotomies may allow a decrease of the plaster cast period. The indications on capculotomy, rotation osteotomy, salter osteotomy are discussed. It is concluded that the periods of traction and plaster cast immobilization should be lessened as much as possible.