Unreliability of Radiographic Diagnosis of Septic Hip in Children

Abstract

The radiographs of 19 pediatric patients with aspiration-proven bacterial infections of the hip were analyzed. The hip radiograph was abnormal in all neonates showing lateral subluxation. The radiograph was negative in eight of ten children more than 1 year of age. It is emphasized that children with suspected septic hip require immediate joint aspiration regardless of radiographic findings.