Experimental trauma of the triradiate epiphysis of the acetabulum and hip dysplasia.

Experimental traumatic lesions of the iliac and pubic parts of the triradiate cartilage of the acetabulum in young Wistar rats, were created to study the effect on the development of the hip joint. Radiological, functional and morphometric results were evaluated at twelve weeks of evolution, a time when the epiphysis was mature in a control series. Interference with the pubic growth plate caused acetabular dysplasia and dislocation of the hip. Both lesions caused deformities of the acetabulum and the femoral head. It is concluded that varied traumatic lesions of the triradiate cartilage may be of prognostic significance.