Juvenile Idiopathic Chondrolysis of the Hip

Clinicians must be aware of this rare but devastating diagnosis, as early diagnosis may improve prognosis. Case presentation: An 11-year-old African American female presented to a pediatric orthopedic clinic with a 6- month history of insidious onset left hip pain. Over 6-months her pain became more severe, and limited her ability to walk. The left hip was fixed in 40-degrees flexion, 20-degrees abduction, and 30-degrees of external rotation. New x-ray findings consistent with idiopathic juvenile chondrolysis of the hip were present. Discussion: First described in the early 1900s, chondrolysis of the hip was initially identified in patients following slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Later, patients with no clear etiology were diagnosed. Associations with trauma, burns, infection, and prolonged immobilization have also been described. The course is variable, with an acute phase lasting 6-16 months followed by a chronic stage of 3-5 years. Conclusion: Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip is a challenging diagnosis with devastating complications. Ultimately, most patients experience a spontaneous resolution of pain, develop early arthritis, and often arthrodesis