Rapidly destructive hip disease: a case report and review of the literature.

Rapidly destructive hip disease (RDHD) is an arthropathy of unknown cause that involves rapid and total deterioration of both the acetabular and femoral aspects of the hip joint. We report a case in which radiographs taken 6 weeks apart vividly and poignantly demonstrate the rapidity of the disease. Because there is little in the orthopedic literature regarding RDHD, we would like orthopedic surgeons to be aware of the condition and the importance of repeat radiographs for patients with continued severe hip pain without an apparent cause.