[Histopathology of bone lesions in 9 cases of algodystrophy of the hip]

The authors present the results of histo-pathological observations made in 9 cases of sympatic algodystrophy reflex of the hip, subjected to a punch biopsy of the head and neck of the femur. The punch biopsy was decided upon, either because of difficult diagnosis, or because of the abnormally long duration of the pain syndrome. In all cases, there were bone lesions. The most common were in the marrow tissue, with stasis (9 cases), fibrosis (7 cases) and necrosis at small, isolated points (5 cases). There was osteoclastic resorption in the bones in 3 cases, and rapid osteogenesis in 6 cases. The latter anomaly revealed the rapid reconstruction characterizing the syndrome. Finally, the authors comment on the relationship between algodystrophy and necrosis of the hip, and the advantages of punch biopsy.