Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip

Fourteen patients (16 hips) with idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip were retrospectively studied at the Shriners Hospital from 1973 to 1986. Follow up averaged 84 months (range 13-180 months). All 14 patients were female. All but one were premenstrual. Each patient presented with an insidious onset of pain in the hip, thigh, or knee and radiographic symmetrical joint space narrowing. Three of the 16 hips required fusions, and only five regained a full range of motion. Partial restoration of the joint space occurred in eight hips. Essential treatment consists of unloading the hip joint while maintaining motion.