[Pediatric Hip Disorders]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Radiology
• Pediatric Rheumatology

Context:

• Hip joint abnormalities are common in infants and children, requiring accurate diagnosis for effective management.
• Conditions range from developmental dysplasia of the hip to avascular and inflammatory processes.
• Distinguishing between various hip pathologies is crucial for appropriate treatment and prognosis.

Purpose:

• To review and illustrate the typical imaging findings for several pediatric hip conditions.
• To provide guidance on differentiating between similar-presenting hip pathologies in children.
• To emphasize the role of imaging in the early detection and management of pediatric hip disorders.

Summary:

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip involves acetabular dysplasia and hip instability, diagnosed via ultrasound.
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease presents with avascular necrosis of the femoral head in childhood.
• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis involves adolescent femoral head displacement; synovitis, osteomyelitis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and neuroblastoma also present with hip pain and require specific imaging evaluation.

Impact:

• Improved diagnostic accuracy for pediatric hip conditions through understanding imaging characteristics.
• Facilitation of timely and appropriate treatment by differentiating between various hip pathologies.
• Enhanced clinical decision-making for pediatricians and radiologists managing hip disorders in children.