Intra-operative arthrography in open reduction of congenital hip dislocation.

Fig. I the reduction is confirmed by an intra-operative roentgenogram. However, there are some cases in which the relationship between the femorab head and the acetabubum cannot be readily discerned from these films ; either because the femoral head is not yet ossified, or because the films are not of sufficiently high quality. Lack of clarity may stem from poor radiological equipment, but sometimes it is due to osteoporosis resulting from prolonged traction (Sharrard 1971 ; Tachdjian 1972) or from immobibisation (Rose 1966; Pennock et al 1972; Uhthoffand Jaworski 1978). To overcome these difficulties we use the following technique. First, we impregnate a piece of sterile gauze with 50% strength Hypaque solution, wrap this around the femoral head, and then reduce the head. The resultant arthrogram clearly demonstrates the relationship between the femoral head and the acetabulum (Fig. 1).