Idiopathic Capital Femoral Chondrolysis: A Case Report

Cureus. 2022 Sep 5;14(9):e28789. doi: 10.7759/cureus.28789. eCollection 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Idiopathic capital femoral chondrolysis is a rare condition most commonly seen in African-American pre-adolescent females. The primary symptoms are hip stiffness and pain, which are accompanied by limping. Physical examinations typically reveal an external rotation contracture, flexion contracture, and abduction contracture. There is also immobility at the hip secondary to muscle spasms. Here, we present and discuss the follow-up case of a 10-year-old female patient who was diagnosed with idiopathic chondrolysis of capital femoral epiphysis, right side, and underwent right hip arthroscopic evaluation and lavage. At follow-up two months after the right hip arthroscopic evaluation, she presented with painless limping on the right side. The patient underwent soft tissue release right hip under general anaesthesia and was discharged in stable condition.

Keywords: abduction and external rotation contracture; case report; chondrolysis; hip joint; hip stiffness; idiopathic; limping; paediatric; painless limping.

Publication types

  • Case Reports