An improved screening system for the early detection of congenital dislocation of the hip.

A screening programme for congenital dislocation of the hip in which physiotherapists examine all neonates is described, together with the results over a 7-year period. All easily reducible dislocated and dislocatable hips are splinted within 2-5 days of birth. Subluxable or "slidey" hips are identified and followed up but not splinted. Risk groups are also identified and followed up. There was a progressive decrease in the number of late diagnosed cases, a result suggesting that even late-presenting acetabular dysplasia can be eliminated by neonatal screening.