We investigate broken rotational symmetry (BRS) states for the fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE) at (formula presented) filling of the valence Landau level (LL). Recent Monte Carlo calculations by Musaelian and Joynt [J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 8, L105 (1996)] suggest that Laughlin’s state becomes unstable to a BRS state for some critical finite thickness value. We study in detail the properties of such state by performing a hypernetted-chain calculation that gives results in the thermodynamic limit, complementing other methods which are limited to a finite number of particles. Our results indicate that while Laughlin’s state is stable in the lowest LL, in higher LL’s a BRS instability occurs, perhaps indicating the absence of FQHE at partial fillings of higher LL’s. Possible connections to the newly discovered liquid crystalline phases in higher LL’s are also discussed. © 2001 The American Physical Society.