The frequency of occurrence of congenital dysplasia of the hip in Poland.

In Poland, the number of newborn infants suffering from congenital dysplasia of the hip (CDH) is high. Its percentage has not changed during the past 30 years. The aim of this paper was (1) to find the frequency of occurrence of CDH based on the highest possible number of cases and to obtain the most objective data from examination performed by orthopedic surgeons; (2) to gather information about methods of treatment used; (3) to establish time of treatment (depending on how advanced the dysplastic process was); and (4) to determine the number of complications. The data are based on 17,094,000 inhabitants, or 46.2% of the Polish population. During the years 1980 to 1984, about 350,000 deliveries were annually registered. On the basis of the data, the following were concluded: (1) The frequency of CDH among children in Poland comes to 6.8%. (2) Cases of dysplasia with dislocation are 1.06%. (3) Almost half the number of children (46.2%) are being treated in outpatient departments run by orthopedic surgeons. The remainder are being cared by pediatric and general surgeons, or pediatricians. (4) Necrosis of the femoral head occurred in 10.4% of patients. (5) The most satisfactory therapeutic results (almost 100% cured) are obtained when treatment begins during the first week of the child's life.