Synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint in childhood

Rationale: Pain in the hip joint is a common symptom in children. The common diseases leading to pain in the hip joint in children include transient synovitis of the hip, septic arthritis of the hip, and Legg–Calve–Perthes disease. Patient concerns: A 7-year-old boy was admitted due to pain in the right hip joint and limping for more than 1 month. Diagnosis: Synovial chondromatosis. Interventions: The patient underwent a hip open surgery, all the loose bodies in articular capsule were removed. Outcomes: At the 6-month follow-up, pain and limping disappeared, and the range of activity of the hip joint was restored to a normal level. Conclusions: Synovial chondromatosis is an uncommon disease which can cause pain of hip joint in children. Lessons: When the pediatric orthopedic surgeon treats the children suffered with hip pain the surgeon should be aware of this rare disease.