Evaluation and treatment of hip dysplasia in cerebral palsy.

Hip problems, including progressive subluxation, dislocation, and pain, are common in patients with cerebral palsy, particularly those who are nonambulatory with a large degree of spasticity. Clinical and radiographic screening facilitates early detection, and surgery is indicated to prevent progressive dysplasia. Although an early soft tissue release may prevent progressive subluxation in a subset of cases, bony reconstructive surgery is indicated for patients with established bony deformity. Salvage procedures are recommended to treat chronic pain caused by established subluxation or dislocation.