The orthopaedic literature contains conflicting opinions concerning
whether the interposition of soft tissue between the femoral head and
acetabulum after a closed reduction of a congenitally dislocated hip
interferes with development of the joint. This article describes eleven
such cases of complete congenital dislocation of the hip in which the hip
was maintained in an appropriate position after closed reduction for a
prolonged period. All cases were documented by arthrography. It was
concluded that the soft tissue in the joint can represent an inadequate
reduction. One cannot expect the soft tissue always to recede or disappear,
and the interposition can lead to a poor result.