There seems to be confusion in surgical literature in regard to the terminology of this disease. Acute epiphysitis, acute infectious synovitis and acute arthritis of the hip joint are often used synonymously, to indicate an acute inflammation of this articulation. Clinically and roentgenographically, in the early stages of the disease it is impossible to distinguish one from the other. Even in the more advanced stages. one cannot state with any degree of certainty where the disease began, whether in the capital epiphysis, in the synovial membrane, in the neck of the femur or in the acetabulum.
From a practical clinical standpoint, the terminology of this condition would be greatly simplified if considered as acute arthritis.
Acute pyogenic arthritis of the hip joint in the infant or child is a serious complication. It generally arises in the course of, or occurs as a sequela to, such acute infectious diseases as scarlet