Septic Hip Dislocation with a Preserved Femoral Head: Successful Outcome Following Open Reduction

Septic arthritis of the hip in children represents a serious disorder with unfavourable long-term  sequelae. In  neonates, a poor  hip  outcome is expected especially  if the  treatment  was  delayed. Late  sequelae can  lead  to  structural  joint  damage and instability, causing  deformity and dislocations which  ultimately  may result in limb length discrepancy, early degenerative changes  and limited range of motion. Surgery at the  appropriate time  can  improve  the  hip  condition and  functional outcome. Previous classifications of post septic hip sequelae are useful guides for treatment,  but did not discuss  one  particular  group  of patient.  This group-septic  hip  dislocation with  a preserved  femoral  head,  has  recently  been  described as a distinct entity. This report highlights an 11-year  follow-up of a 2-year-old  child who  had  a successful outcome following open  reduction and  varus  derotation osteotomy  for a septic hip dislocation with a preserved  femoral head.