Treatment of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip in the Newborn

factorily. The mother of this third case had taken thalidomide during her pregnancy. It is, however, not clear whether this has any significance, as pronounced hereditary characteristics are present and this child is abnormal in appearance and development apart from the dislocation. Is it really necessary to treat all unstable hipjoints immediately after birth? It cannot be doubted that some reduce spontaneously; the Swedish pediatrician, Palmen (1961), among others, has proved this. In our experience it is impossible to forecast which of the unstable hipjoints require treatment and which do not. In my opinion, since the treatment is so simple to perform, it is correct to treat each one. In no case has it proved difficult to carry out the treatment at home.