[Treatment for complications of hip septic arthritis in newborns].

A series of 68 patients aged 3 months to 18 years treated for the sequele of septic arthritis of the hip in neonatal period at the Orthopedic Department in Lodz between 1964 and 1993 is presented. Modes of treatment depending on the age at the presentation, localization of the septic process and the extent of damage to articular structures are discussed. The results are reported in 42 cases with mean follow-up of 4 years (range 2 to 8 years). According to Hunck classification there were 36 good and 6 poor results. Closed reduction of the pathological dislocation of the hip in infants older then 6 months is not likely to succeed. Surgical intervention has never aggravated septic process. Poor results should be mainly attributed to great defects within the femoral head and neck. All the patients should be followed-up periodically for timely correction of deformities resulting from growth disturbances that increase with age.