[Osteochondrosis and osteochondronecrosis of the roof of the acetabulum].

Osteochondritis of the centers of ossification is a frequent condition during pubertal growth spurt. The ossification of the acetabulum is completed during that period by fusion of the primary and secondary ossification centers (Os acetabuli etc.). During that time of maximal longitudinal growth the pressure within the hip joint can impair the formation of the acetabulum. Usually the acetabular roof is involved to a lesser degree and spontaneous healing of the changes is observated (grade I). Under biomechanically disadvantageous conditions (e.g. coxa valga et antetorta) marginal defects of the acetabular roof (grade II) or even secondary dysplasias of the acetabulum are possible. From long term observations we come to the conclusion, that the pubertal growth spurt is a critical period for the development of the adolescent hip joint.