Dysplasia of head of femur, Meyer type

Dysplasia of the head of the femur, Meyer type (also known as Meyer dysplasia) is a rare, benign skeletal condition characterized by delayed and irregular ossification (bone formation) of the femoral head — the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone that fits into the hip socket. It primarily affects young children, typically between the ages of 2 and 5 years, and is often discovered incidentally on X-rays taken for other reasons, or when a child presents with mild hip discomfort or a slight limp. On imaging, the femoral epiphysis (growth center of the femoral head) appears small, fragmented, or irregularly shaped, which can sometimes be confused with Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a more serious condition involving avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Meyer dysplasia is generally considered a normal variant of skeletal development rather than a true pathological condition. The ossification irregularities tend to resolve spontaneously as the child grows, and the femoral head typically develops into a normal shape without long-term consequences. The condition can be unilateral (affecting one hip) or bilateral (affecting both hips). It predominantly affects boys more than girls. Because of its benign and self-limiting nature, no specific treatment is usually required. Management primarily involves clinical and radiographic follow-up to confirm the diagnosis and to distinguish it from Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, which requires more active intervention. Reassurance of the family is an important component of care. In rare cases where symptoms such as hip pain or limping are present, conservative measures such as activity modification or observation may be recommended.

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