Congenital hip dysplasia in the light of early and very early diagnosis.

Ortolani summarizes 40 years of experience with about 8,000 children with congenital hip dysplasia, treated from birth or at a very early age. All newborns should be screened and examined for congenital hip dysplasia and this exam should be repeated at one month and again in 3 months. The most reliable sign for the diagnosis of congenital hip dysplasia at birth is the "click" sign. The etiology of congenital hip dysplasia is in a localized fault in embryonic development. The treatment started just as early as the condition was suspected. Surgical treatment is recommended for all complete congenital hip dislocations not amenable to treatment by closed methods.