Meyer dysplasia in the differential diagnosis of hip disease in young children.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a rare developmental disorder of the femoral capital epiphysis in infants and children that is often misdiagnosed and to suggest an evaluation protocol to differentiate it from other hip problems.

DESIGN

Case series.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

SUBJECTS: Five consecutive patients referred for evaluation of acute onset of limping between January 1990 and December 1997.

INTERVENTION: All clinical and imaging data were collected.

RESULTS

Two of the 5 patients were initially diagnosed as having osteomyelitis and 3 as having Perthes disease. The diagnosis of Meyer dysplasia was confirmed by plain film of the pelvis, a negative bone scan, or normal bone marrow findings on magnetic resonance imaging. The limping resolved without treatment in all patients within 1 to 3 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Meyer dysplasia is a benign condition that should be included in the differential diagnosis of hip disease in infants and children. Awareness of this condition may prevent unnecessary hospitalization and treatment.