Perinatal Observations on the Etiology of Congenital Dislocation of the Hip

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY There is a strong family history in about 3 per cent of cases of CDH. Interestingly, the same incidence is found with the other congenital postural deformities. It would perhaps be surprising if this were not so, for many of the factors that I have mentioned, such as the shape of the uterus, the hormonal environment, etc., are genetically determined, as, of course, may be the actual stability of the hip joint itself. Cultural practices too, such as the way the infant is carried after birth, may also be perpetuated generation after generation. The idea that mechanical factors might cause deformation in utero originated with Hippocrates and has had many distinguished supporters. Yet it has often been neglected or even rejected, especially in modern times. This is all the more surprising in that every orthopedic surgeon knows how easy it is to alter the shape of the body with quite gentle pressure while it is growing rapidly, especially when the part is plastic and immobile as it is in late fetal life.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: