Fate of the Normal Uninvolved Hip Opposite Closed Reduction of Unilateral Developmental Dislocation of the Hip

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of avascular necrosis and acetabular dysplasia in the normal uninvolved contralateral hip opposite a unilateral dislocated hip. Thirty-five children with unilateral developmental dislocation of the hip underwent closed reduction. Medical records were reviewed for gender, side, age at reduction, and presence of the ossific nucleus at reduction. Avascular necrosis was reported as present if there was proximal femoral deformity on postoperative radiographs. Acetabular dysplasia was noted as present based on reported values. The mean age at reduction was 10 months. The mean age at time of follow-up radiograph was 101 months. There was no evidence of avascular necrosis in any of the uninvolved hips. Acetabular dysplasia was present in 22 (63%) uninvolved hips. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 15(1):16–18, 2006)