[Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip]

Between 1993-2003 the authors treated 5 girls with idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip joint. Their mean age at first symptoms were 9 years (range 6-11 years). In all initial symptoms were pain and a hip flexion contracture of a mean 33 degrees (range 30-40 degrees). All were treated with multiple stationary rehabilitation including traction, range of motion exercises, analgetic physical therapy and longlasting walking with crutches. At the follow up examination only one hip was I 10 degree. Remaining 4 children were painfree. In 2 of them an acetabular protrusion, hip joint space narrowing and degenerative changes were observed on anteroposterior radiographs and clinically the hips were stiff in functional position. In the remaining 2 children, the hip range of motion was limited, with 30 and 90 degree of flexion, but joint space became wider on radiographs. Results were bad, because we do not know neither effective causative non symptomatic methods of treatment. Maybe the new technics of treatment, like arthrodiastasis, will bring better results.