[Treatment of congenital dislocation or subluxation of the hip taken from personal material--factors determining the course and result of treatment].

A series of 65 children (130 hips) treated for congenital dislocation or subluxation of the hip with Pavlik harness been retrospectively reviewed. All patients were managed by the same physician and according to previously established principles. Mean follow-up after the termination of treatment was 7.5 months. Age at the onset of treatment and initial state of the hip were recognized as two major factors influencing the course and result of treatment. It was found, that the harness treatment is best initiated in first 9 weeks after birth and even a few weeks delay may seriously affect its efficacy. A dynamic index on alfa angle changes on serial ultrasound images of the hip (Graf method) has been introduced.