The technique of and indications for Ludloff's operation for open reduction in congenital dislocation of the hip are described. In forty-six hips, in thirty-three infants previously treated conservatively without success, this operation provided stable reduction and a minimum of complications.
The tight anterior portion of the capsule of the hip joint proved to be the major obstacle to reduction, and this was overcome in all our patients except one by division of the capsule by a T incision from the acetabulum anteriorly, crossing the femoral head and extending to the femoral neck. After reduction the capsule gaped and was left open. The approach is, therefore, recommended as a relatively simple and reliable technique for open reduction of congenital dislocation of the hip in infants and small children.