Destructive arthritis of the hip in a patient with Crohn's disease.

OBJECTIVE

Isolated destructive peripheral arthropathy is a rare complication of Crohn's disease. We describe the clinical course and radiographic findings of such a case.

CLINICAL FEATURES

A 28-yr-old male presented to our chiropractic clinic with chronic left hip pain. The patient was known to have Crohn's disease. Five years earlier the gastrointestinal symptoms resolved with a brief course of prednisone. However, the left hip pain continued. A radiograph of the left hip was read as normal. Repeat radiograph, 2 yr later, revealed destructive changes of the left hip and, in retrospect, early destructive changes could be seen on the initial radiograph.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME

The diagnosis, in this case, was destructive arthritis of the left hip secondary to Crohn's disease. The treatment selected in this case was observation and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use.

CONCLUSION

This diagnosis, a relatively rare complication of Crohn's disease, should be considered in a young adult patient with Crohn's disease and persistent peripheral joint pain.