Hip arthrography in the skeletally immature

One hundred forty-six arthrograms were performed in 130 children. Forty-two studies were bilateral, constituting a total of 188 injected hips. The majority of the studies were done for congenital dislocation of the hip, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease and septic pyarthrosis. Using the medial approach and fluoroscopic control, only three attempts were unsuccessful. None of the hips which were subsequently explored surgically showed ill effects from the injection. The addition of simulated weight-bearing and abducted and internally rotated views provides more accurate information in determining adequacy of femoral head containment.