Update on Selected Pediatric Hip Disorders

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) can be corrected if treated early in some cases
• Congenital hip disease is no longer the proper term for DDH because it is known some hip problems occur later in infancy or childhood
• Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease (LCPD) is an avascular necrosis of the hip, usually unilateral, which is more commonly seen in boys
• Transient Synovitis of the Hip (TSH) is a brief, post-infectious hip inflammation which must be differentiated from the dangerous septic arthritis
• Septic arthritis of the hip can cause permanent articular damage, osteonecrosis and sepsis if not diagnosed appropriately and quickly treated

Several pediatric hip disorders are essential for the nurse practitioner to recognize, manage, and refer. In this study, the following selected hip disorders are described: developmental dysplasia of the hips; Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease; transient synovitis of the hip; and septic arthritis of the hip. Developmental dysplasia of the hips can occur congenitally or in early childhood. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is an avascular necrosis of the femoral head that occurs between 4 and 8 years of age. Transient synovitis of the hip is benign and self-limited, but its danger is that it can mimic septic arthritis of the hip. Septic arthritis of the hip is a medical emergency that requires operative intervention and intravenous antibiotics.