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.