Treatment of the sequelae of septic osteoarthritis of the hip during pediatric age.

A total of 69 cases (73 hips) of the sequelae of septic osteoarthritis of the hip are studied. The sequelae are classified based on whether or not the femoral epiphysis is present, and on stability of the joint according to Hunka (1982). Three of the hips were treated non-surgically. All of the others were submitted to from a minimum of 2 to maximum of 5 operations with the purpose of re-establishing joint relationships. The results were: good: 50 hips (72.5%); fair 12 (17.4%); poor: 11 (16%). The most significant sequelae were hip instability, joint function limitation, and shortening of the limb.