Idiopathic Chondrolysis of the Hip in Two Adolescent Females: A Six-Year Follow-Up

Abstract

Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip (ICH) is a rare condition with only a few cases reported in the literature. The average age at the onset of the disease is 11 years, with females having six times higher incidence than males. We report two cases of ICH in two medically free 10-year-old females who presented with atraumatic insidious hip pain and limping. No significant past medical, surgical, or family history was recorded. Laboratory studies were within normal limits, and the imaging showed the pathogenic changes of hip chondrolysis. Both cases were treated conservatively, and regular follow-ups in the clinic showed progressive limitation of the hip range of motion with arthritic changes on plain radiographs. Altogether, ICH is rare and can be misdiagnosed as inflammatory or infectious hip arthritis. Clinical assessment and image interpretation can lead to early diagnosis. Pain management and physical therapy with a prolonged period of protected weight-bearing are the mainstays of treatment.