Pediatric pelvic abnormalities on conventional radiological imaging: A case series

Introduction: Pediatric hip anatomy changes from birth until skeletal maturity. Various abnormalities during development can lead to debilitating hip conditions in adulthood. This case series explores pelvic abnormalities in pediatric patients through conventional radiological imaging, emphasizing the role of accurate diagnosis in guiding appropriate surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Three cases are discussed: Case description: Three cases are discussed. The first case is a 2-year-old male presented with congenital bilateral clubfoot and a left hip dislocation leading to limb length discrepancy. Radiological imaging confirmed left Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) with superolateral hip joint dislocation. Planned surgical interventions were not pursued due to loss of follow-up. The second case is A 15-year-old male with a long history of left hip pain and deformity. Radiographs revealed severe left Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE). The patient underwent internal fixation but was lost to follow-up postoperatively. The third case is A 7-year-old male who experienced left hip pain and limping for a year, accompanied by thigh muscle atrophy. Imaging showed advanced Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCPD) with femoral head collapse, leading to a stage IV diagnosis per the Catterall classification. Conclusion: The series underscores the importance of conventional radiography in diagnosing pediatric pelvic disorders, aiding in assessing femoral head positioning, acetabular abnormalities, and overall structural integrity. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for preventing long-term complications such as osteoarthritis.