Hip Surgery: Closed and Open Reduction of Developmental Hip Dislocations

Also known as: treatment for hip dysplasia or developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).

What is closed and open reduction of developmental hip dislocations?

Closed (no incision) and open (with an incision) reductions are used to put the hip back in the socket in young children. The procedures are typically used on children between 1 and 6 years of age.

What happens during the procedure?

A closed reduction is a procedure for treating a hip dislocation without surgery, using manipulation of thigh bone (femur) to put the hip back in place. An open reduction is used if the closed reduction fails or if the child is too old for a closed reduction. For an open reduction, surgeons make an incision in the groin and clear the hip of any tissue that prevents the hip from going into the joint.
 

What are the risk factors?

Re-dislocating is the biggest risk with closed or open reductions of the hip. Interruption of the blood flow to the hip (avascular necrosis) can also occur. Infection, bleeding, and injury to surrounding tissues are all potential complications when open reduction is performed.

Reviewed by: Kevin S Horowitz, MD

This page was last updated on: January 19, 2022 11:21 AM