[Sequelae of septic hip arthritis in infancy]

Septic arthritis of the hip represents a serious pathological condition which results in severe sequelae and high invalidity. The most serious sequelae are seen in neonatal and infantile period, when normal growth and development are brutally disturbed, followed by proximal femoral destruction and acetabular dysplasia, which in return result in anatomical limb shortening and functional deficiency. In order to achieve an adequate approach to the treatment of septic hip arthritis sequelae, different classification systems have been developed. Two of them are the most cited in literature: classification according to Hunka, and that according to Choi and associates. In this article, the authors compared both classification systems, presented their similarities and differences, and expanded them in view of treatment options applicable to each category. Although both classifications are based on radiographic findings, it has been shown that they clearly tell between treatment options relevant to particular type of sequelae of the septic hip arthritis, thus representing a useful tool in making decision about adequate treatment.