Treatment of congenital subluxation and dislocation of the hip by knee splint harness.

The results are reported from a study of 103 cases fitted with the knee splint harness (KSH) which is an orthotic device used for the treatment of congenital subluxation and dislocation of the hip. The knee splint harness consists of a harness attached to posterior plastic shells at the knee which prevent flexion beyond 90 degrees while permitting full and free knee extension. No case was encountered in a 10 year period which failed to reduce. In cases of hip subluxation, reduction was obtained within an average of 5.8 days. In cases of dislocation, reduction was obtained in 6.7 days on average. Follow-up roentgenograms, established that there were no cases presenting with any sign of ischaemia of the epiphysis.