PATHOLOGICAL DISLOCATION OF THE HIP IN CHILDREN WHO HAVE SUFFERED EPIPHYSEAL OSTEOMYELITIS

Abstract

Pathological hip dislocation (PHD) is an orthopedic complication of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis in infants. The authors analyzed the results of the diagnosis and treatment of 14 girls and 9 boys aged from 1 month to 1 year, who suffered from acute epiphyseal hematogenous osteomyelitis of the proximal femur, complicated by pathological dislocation of the thigh. PHD was located on the right side in 12 patients, on the left - in 6 cases. Surgery was found to be preferable to be performed at the age of 2.5-3 years while secondary deformations of the osteoarticular system have not yet formed. A favorable outcome of surgical treatment is guaranteed by the exact centering of the head and neck of the thigh or its proximal end; the early use of restorative means after surgery and late loading of the operated limb. Combined surgical correction is indicated mainly for patients with pathological dislocation of the thigh of type III or IV.