Current concepts in the management of pediatric hip disease

A wide variety of disorders affects the pediatric hip. The most common of these are developmental dysplasia of the hip, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound improve the imaging of these diseases, but the ultimate impact of this technology on treatment is unknown. Complications of treatment for these and other pediatric hip diseases can be devastating; so much recent research concentrates on the etiology, prevention, and effects of these complications. Finally, these diseases occur in skeletally immature individuals, and long-term follow-up is essential for accurate evaluation of results.