Neonatal septic "dislocation" of the hip: true dislocation or pathological epiphyseal separation?

The clinical and roentgenologic appearance of septic dislocation of the hip may be caused by either a true dislocation or a pathological epiphyseal separation due to osteomyelitis. Arthrography of the hip permits differentiation in the neonate. The significance of these two anatomical possibilites is discussed in terms of follow-up and results of neonatal infections about the hip, and a case of pathological epiphyseal separation at the hip diagnosed in the neonatal period by aspiration and arthrography and followed up for 3 years is presented.