Arthritis remission with partial cartilage restoration in a 9-year-old female with hip chondrolysis following treatment with adalimumab

Abstract

Hip chondrolysis is observed primarily or secondary to other diseases and is a rare but yet debilitating disease, characterised by loss of cartilage of the femoral epiphysis and significant restriction of motion. We present the case of a 9-year-old female diagnosed with hip chondrolysis associated with probable juvenile psoriatic arthritis. Avoidance of weight-bearing activities and treatment with corticosteroids, methotrexate, and adalimumab followed by aquatic therapy resulted in clinical and radiographic improvement as well as partial cartilage regeneration.

Keywords: Arthritis; chondrolysis; hip; juvenile; psoriatic.