title: Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip: case report with a review of the literature.
abstract: The first case of idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip from South-East Asia is reported, with a review of the literature. The problems of differential diagnosis are discussed. As the condition is rare, it is likely to be misdiagnosed and may well be over-treated. The rarity of the condition and its natural history terminating in spontaneous fusion make it mandatory that a correct preoperative diagnosis be established in order to avoid needless radical surgery. Some of the significant clinicopathological findings are highlighted.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006621:Hip Joint; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male