Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip. A case report.

A report of a case of idiopathic chondrolysis of the right hip in a 13-year-old Black girl is presented. Radiographs and microbiological and biochemical investigations excluded all other diseases. Cartilage and synovium were removed at biopsy of the right hip. Macroscopic and histopathological studies showed the typical features of idiopathic chondrolysis. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the histological findings. Scanning electron microscopy highlighted the irregular pitted and fibrillated surface of the cartilage. Immunofluorescent studies on cartilage and synovium were negative. The possible pathogenesis of the disease is discussed, but the cause still remains unknown.