Treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip in a squatting position, Fettweis method.

In the relatively recent past, the treatment of congenital dislocation of the hip was carried out according to Lorenz or to some other similar method. Many poor late results and too many deformities of the proximal part of the femur were observed, following a modification of the orientation of the femoral neck or avascular necrosis of the head and its growth plate. The full abduction position was responsible for these complications. Since 1960, a method has been developed based on the observation of the normal physiologic fetal position of the thighs close to the trunk, and on the fact that in countries where children are carried on their mothers' bodies, CDH is rarely observed. The femurs are placed and held in a position of flexion, in a varying degree according to the grade of the condition, and in moderate abduction. An abduction bandage or a plaster cast is used according to the grade. Progressive reduction of the dislocation and progressive remodeling of the acetabular roof occurs. The analysis of the results reveals a low percentage of avascular complications. The use of this method in cases detected early should make recourse to surgery increasingly rare.